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skull
(skul)
the skeleton of the head, consisting of the cranium and the mandible. The cranium forms the domed top, back, and sides of the skull; several of its bones are large, smooth, gently curved, and
connected to each other by dovetailed joints called sutures, which permit no movement and make the mature skull rigid. They protect the brain, with their curved exterior serving to deflect blows; the eyes, ears, and nose are also protected by being recessed into
the skull and surrounded by bone. The occipital bone of the skull is supported by the highest vertebra, called the atlas, with a joint called the atlantooccipital joint. This joint permits a back-and-forth, nodding motion. The atlas in turn rotates on the vertebra below it, the axis, which allows the skull to turn from side to side.
Copyright 2007. An Elsevier publication. All rights reserved.
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