The neurocranium, also known as the braincase, brainpan, or brain-pan, is the upper and back part of the skull, which forms a protective case around the brain. It is a complex structure that plays a crucial role in protecting the brain and supporting sensory organs. The neurocranium is made up of eight bones: the frontal bone, two parietal bones, two temporal bones, the occipital bone, the sphenoid bone, and the ethmoid bone.
Frontal Bone: The frontal bone creates the smooth curvature of the forehead and protects the frontal lobe of the brain. It is the most anterior bone in the neurocranium, bordered by both the surrounding neurocranial bones and the most superior viscerocranial bones.
Parietal Bones: The parietal bones are situated at the crown of the skull and provide a roof over part of the anterior, the entire middle, and some of the posterior cranial fossae, which contain the various lobes of the brain, along with the sinuses, the meninges, and their corresponding vessels.
Temporal Bones: The temporal bones are located on the sides of the skull, adjacent to the ears. They house the structures of the ears, contributing to the sense of hearing and balance.
Occipital Bone: The occipital bone forms the back part of the skull and the base of the neurocranium. It surrounds the foramen magnum, a large opening for the connection of the brain and the spinal cord.
phenoid Bone: The sphenoid bone is located in the middle of the skull towards the front, in front of the temporal bones and basilar part of the occipital bone. The sphenoid bone is one of the most complex bones of the body because it articulates with all other cranial bones.
Ethmoid Bone: The ethmoid bone is a singular porous bone that makes up the middle area of the base of the cranium and contributes to the anterior cranial fossa, the nasal cavity, and the orbital walls.
The primary functions of the neurocranium are to form the shape of the head and to protect the brain and the organs that control the five senses; the eyes, the ears, and the areas of the brain that control touch, taste, and smell. The neurocranium is a marvel of natural engineering, providing robust protection for the brain while accommodating the nerves and vessels that connect the brain with the rest of the body.
In the course of evolution, the human neurocranium has expanded from comprising the back part of the mammalian skull to being also the upper part: during the evolutionary expansion of the brain, the neurocranium has overgrown the splanchnocranium.
The neurocranium is a testament to the intricate design and function of the human body, highlighting the body’s ability to protect its most vital organs. Understanding the structure and function of the neurocranium is not only essential for anatomical and physiological studies but also for medical professionals who deal with disorders and injuries related to the brain and skull..
