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Skull

Bony structure forming the head in vertebrates.

cranium

The skull is a bony structure that forms the head in vertebrates, enclosing and protecting the brain.

Pronunciation

/skʌl/

Etymology

From Old English scull, from Proto-West Germanic *skullaz, of unknown origin.

Explain Like I’m 5

A skull is the hard, bony structure that protects your brain and gives your face its shape.

Fun Facts

The skull is not one solid bone
It's made up of many fused bones
Some animals, like snakes, have very different skull structures
Fossilized skulls provide valuable information about extinct species

FAQ

What is a skull? It's the bony structure forming the head in vertebrates
What does it protect? The brain and vital organs
How many bones are there? Adult humans have 22

Synonyms — Similar or Related Terms

cranium

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

bone skeleton

Hyponyms — Specific Examples

mandible maxilla

Meronyms — Parts or Components

orbits nasal cavity foramen magnum

Holonyms — Wholes or Groups

human body animal body

Indexes

anatomical structure organ system

Related

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