viscerocraniet

Viscerocranium refers to the bones that form the face, also known as the facial skeleton. It is one of the two major divisions of the skull, the other being the neurocranium, which encloses the brain. The viscerocranium is composed of fourteen bones, many of which are paired. These bones include the maxillae, zygomatic bones, nasal bones, lacrimal bones, palatine bones, inferior nasal conchae, and the vomer. The mandible, or lower jaw, is the only movable bone of the skull and is also considered part of the viscerocranium.

The primary function of the viscerocranium is to support the structures of the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, and to facilitate functions like eating, speaking, and breathing. The arrangement of these bones creates the distinctive features of an individual's face and provides attachment points for the muscles of facial expression and mastication. The orbits, which house the eyes, are formed by several bones of the viscerocranium. The nasal cavity is also a prominent feature, formed by the nasal bones, maxillae, and other surrounding structures. The teeth are embedded within the alveolar processes of the maxillae and the mandible. Developmentally, the viscerocranium originates from the pharyngeal arches during embryonic development.