Skip to main content

Anatomy of the Human Skull Study Guide

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the human skull's anatomy. It covers the two primary divisions: the neurocranium, which protects the brain, and the viscerocranium, which forms the facial structure. Detailed descriptions of individual bones within these divisions are provided, along with explanations of their locations and functions. Key anatomical features and joints, such as sutures and the temporomandibular joint, are also discussed.

Save this study guide to your study set

Sign up free

Your learning path

Anatomy of the Skull, Mandible, and Pharynx

Anatomy of Pharynx and Esophagus

This lecture covers the anatomy, functions, and muscles of the pharynx and esophagus, including the pharyngeal constrictors and peristalsis.

  • Pharynx functions
  • Laryngopharynx
  • Superior constrictor muscle
  • Middle constrictor muscle
  • Inferior constrictor muscle
  • Thyropharyngeus
  • Cricopharyngeus muscle
  • Salpingopharyngeus muscle
  • Stylopharyngeus muscle
  • Palatopharyngeus muscle
  • Esophagus anatomy
  • Upper Esophageal Sphincter
  • Lower Esophageal Sphincter
  • Primary peristalsis
  • Secondary peristalsis

Mandibular System and Muscles of Mastication

This lecture covers the mandibular system, dentition, and the muscles of mastication including the masseter, temporalis, lateral pterygoid, and medial pterygoid.

  • Mandibular landmarks
  • Condylar process
  • Coronoid process
  • Dentition and speech mechanism
  • Mastication
  • Masseter
  • Temporalis
  • Lateral pterygoid
  • Medial pterygoid
  • Suprahyoid muscles
  • Trigeminal nerve innervation
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

Neural Control and Mandible Anatomy

This content covers the neural control of mastication via the central pattern generator, the anatomy and movement of the temporomandibular joint, and the role of the mandible in speech.

  • Neural Control of Mastication
  • Central Pattern Generator
  • Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
  • Mandibular fossa
  • Hinge-like jaw opening/closing
  • Condylar process
  • Role of Mandible in Speech

Anatomy of the Human Skull

The bones of the skull are divided into the neurocranium and the viscerocranium.

  • Neurocranium
  • Viscerocranium
  • Frontal bone
  • Parietal bones
  • Temporal bones
  • Ethmoid bone
  • Sphenoid bone
  • Palatine bones
  • Zygomatic bones
  • Lacrimal bones
  • Nasal bones
  • Sutures
  • Orbital cavity

Anatomy of the Nasal Septum and Mandible

This content illustrates nasal anatomy, the nasal septum, and the bony landmarks of the mandible.

  • perpendicular plate of the ethmoid
  • nasal septum
  • vomer
  • palatine process of the maxilla
  • mandible
  • condylar process
  • coronoid process
  • mandibular notch
  • temporomandibular joint

Make it your own.

Keep these readings and topics in a new study set, or add them to one you already use.