What is the medical name for the skull?

The medical term for the skull is "cranium," which refers to the part of the skull that encloses the brain. This structure is composed of several bones that are fused together, providing protection to the brain while also supporting the face. The cranium consists of different sections, including the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital bones.

The mandible refers specifically to the lower jawbone, which plays a role in chewing and speaking but does not encompass the entire skull. The maxillae are the upper jawbones that hold the upper teeth and form part of the orbits of the eyes. Lastly, zygomatic bones are the cheekbones that contribute to the structure of the face but are also not representative of the entire skull. Understanding these distinctions is important in anatomy and medical fields, as it provides a foundational knowledge of skeletal structure and function.