Nature's Helmet
Description: Take away the skin, and muscle...here's what you get!
Image copyright: http://www.solarnavigator.net
FUNCTION AND LOCATION:
The skull is part of the skeletal system. The skeletal system is made mostly of connective cells and connective tissue. The function of the skull is to protect the brain, but it also gives shape to the face and allows us to chew.
PARTS:The skull feels like one solid bone, but it is actually made of 22 bones that are fused together in immovable joints. The only bone in the skull that has the ability to move freely is the jawbone, also known as the mandible. The mandible is also the strongest bone in the face. When a baby is born the bones of the skull are not fully fused together. That is why so you have to be so careful when holding a newborn baby.
FUN FACTS:
Headaches are caused by nerves being aggravated or activated around the skull.
The skull and crossbones is a universal symbol for poison if the bones are behind the skull. If the bones are under the skull it is a symbol of piracy! ARRRRRRRRRRR
The mandible (jawbone) of a female is more rounded while a male is typically more square.
DISEASES OR PROBLEMS: In some situations the skull is not enough to protect the brain in a collision. Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries are caused when the skull is struck too hard or in a place where it is not as strong. A concussion is most common during sports and it is a mild brain injury. The brain can become bruised, swell, and even change the function of the nerves.
One common deformity in the skull is cleft pallet. This is caused at as a baby develops and the bones and tissue of the upper lip do not fuse. It is easily treatable. Doctors are not sure what causes it, but they think it might be genetic.
