hlava

Hlava is the Czech and Slovak word for the anatomical head. The term derives from Proto-Slavic *glava and has cognates in many Slavic languages, such as Polish głowa, Russian golova, and Slovene glava. In everyday language, hlava also appears in idioms referring to leadership, for example hlava rodiny meaning head of the family.

Anatomy: The head consists of the skull (cranium) and the face, and contains the brain, primary sense organs, and parts of the digestive and respiratory tracts. The skull protects the brain and is formed by the cranium and facial bones; the mandible is the only movable skull bone. The scalp covers the skull, and hair is typically present. The head is connected to the neck at the base of the skull, with the upper cervical vertebrae (atlas and axis) enabling most head movements.

Functions: It houses the brain, which controls most bodily functions and cognition, and contains the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth, providing vision, hearing, balance, smell, and taste. It also serves as an entry point for air and food through the nasal and oral cavities.

Development and health: In infants, the skull bones are not fully fused, allowing brain growth; sutures and fontanelles gradually close with age. Head injuries, such as concussions and skull fractures, are medical concerns. Dental health and conditions affecting the skull or brain are commonly considered part of head health.

Usage: In Czech and Slovak, hlava is used metaphorically to refer to a person in charge, such as hlava rodiny (head of the family). The term appears in various expressions describing leadership or prominence.