skalleben

Skalleben is the term used to refer to the bones that form the skull in humans and many other vertebrates. In Swedish anatomical usage it can denote the bones of both the neurocranium (the cranial vault and base) and the viscerocranium (the facial skeleton), taken together as the skull.

The human skull is traditionally divided into two main groups. The neurocranium includes the frontal, parietal (two), temporal (two), occipital, sphenoid and ethmoid bones. The viscerocranium comprises the facial bones such as the maxillae (two), zygomatics (two), nasal bones, lacrimal bones, inferior nasal conchae, palatine bones, vomer and the mandible.

Most skull bones develop by intramembranous ossification, while the bones at the base of the skull form largely by endochondral ossification. In infants, fibrous sutures and fontanelles allow growth of the brain and skull; these joints gradually fuse during childhood and adolescence.

Functions include protecting the brain, supporting the sensory organs, and providing attachment for muscles involved in chewing, facial expression and head movement. The skull also encases the inner ear structures and supports the dental arches.

Etymology and usage: In Swedish, skalleben combines skalle ("skull") and ben ("bone"). In medical contexts it is often translated as cranium or skull bones, depending on the specificity of the reference.