Neurocranium

Neurocranium is the upper and back part of the skull, which forms a protective case around the brain. In humans, it is made up of the frontal, parietal, occipital, temporal, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones.

Structure

The neurocranium is divided into two parts: the Membranous neurocranium and the Cartilaginous neurocranium. The membranous neurocranium is formed from flat bones and includes the frontal, parietal, squamous part of the temporal, and the upper part of the occipital bones. The cartilaginous neurocranium is formed from the ethmoid, sphenoid, petrous and mastoid parts of the temporal, and the lower part of the occipital bones.

Development

The neurocranium forms during the embryonic stage from the mesoderm layer of the embryo. The development of the neurocranium involves the process of ossification, where the cartilaginous neurocranium is replaced by bone.

Function

The primary function of the neurocranium is to protect the brain and its associated sensory organs including the eye, ear, and nose. It also provides attachment for muscles that assist in head and neck movement.

Clinical significance

Conditions that affect the neurocranium can have serious implications, as they can impact the brain and other structures within the skull. These conditions include craniosynostosis, which is the premature fusion of the skull bones, and cranial fractures, which are breaks in the neurocranium.

See also

• Skull
• Cranium
• Brain
• Ossification
• Craniosynostosis
• Cranial fractures

References

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  Diagram of cranial bones

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  Animation of the neurocranium

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  Dilophosaurus braincase

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  Superior view of neurocranium animation

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  Base of the skull

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  Parts of the skull

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  3D model of the neurocranium