Basic Anatomy Overview

Question 1

What are the functions of the skull?

Answer 1

• protects the brain, brainstem, cranial nerves & vasculature
• provides attachment for muscles
• provides a framework for the head

Question 2

What is special about pneumatised bones? What is the function of this?

Answer 2

Bones with AIR SPACES
- reduces weight of skull
- add resonance to our voice

Question 3

What is the difference between the neurocranium vs the viscerocranium?

Answer 3

Neurocranium = bony case of the brain

Viscerocranium = facial skeleton

Question 4

What bones make up the neurocranium?

Answer 4

• frontal
• parietal x2
• occipital
• sphenoid
• temporal x2
• ethmoid

Question 5

What bones make up the viscerocranium?

Answer 5

• ethmoid
• palatine x2
• lacrimal x2
• nasal x2
• zygomatic x2
• vomer
• inferior nasal concha x2
• maxilla x2
• mandible

Question 6

Why is the pterion an important anatomical feature to know about?

Answer 6

• H-shaped junction of sutures between frontal, parietal, temporal & sphenoid bone
• structurally weak area of skull
• overlies anterior branch of middle meningeal artery

Question 7

What may happen if a patient experiences a severe blow to the side of the head?

Answer 7

Rupture of the anterior branch of middle meningeal artery
- lead to extradural haemorrhage

Question 8

Where does the ophthalmic branch of CNV exit the skull?

Answer 8

Supra-orbital notch