Which of the following bones fuse together to form the cranium?

The cranium is a vital structure that houses and protects the brain, and it is primarily formed by the fusion of several bones. The correct choice includes the parietal, temporal, sphenoid, cribiform plate (which is part of the ethmoid bone), frontal, and occipital bones. These bones play an essential role in creating the protective vault of the skull and facilitate the structural integrity required to shield the brain from injuries.

The parietal bones create the top and sides of the cranium, while the temporal bones are located at the sides and base. The frontal bone forms the forehead region, and the occipital bone is found at the back of the skull. The sphenoid bone contributes to the base of the skull and the sides, and the cribiform plate, part of the ethmoid bone, provides a passage for the olfactory nerves.

Understanding the anatomy and fusion of these specific bones is crucial for recognizing their functions and the overall structure of the skull, highlighting why this set of bones is combined to form the cranium.