Cranial cavity
Cranial Cavity
The Cranial Cavity (pronounced: /ˈkreɪniəl ˈkavɪti/) is a space within the skull that houses and protects the brain. It is one of the major cavities in the human body, located in the head and bounded by the bony structures of the skull.
Etymology
The term "Cranial Cavity" is derived from the Latin words "Cranium" meaning skull, and "Cavitas" meaning cavity or hollow space.
Anatomy
The Cranial Cavity is divided into three parts: the anterior cranial fossa, the middle cranial fossa, and the posterior cranial fossa. Each of these parts houses different sections of the brain. The anterior cranial fossa houses the frontal lobe, the middle cranial fossa houses the temporal lobe, and the posterior cranial fossa houses the cerebellum and brainstem.
Function
The primary function of the Cranial Cavity is to protect the brain from injury. It does this by providing a hard, bony enclosure around the soft, delicate tissues of the brain. The Cranial Cavity also contains cerebrospinal fluid, which provides additional protection and nourishment to the brain.
Related Terms
- Skull: The bony structure that forms the head in vertebrates, and protects the brain.
- Brain: The organ of the body which controls all functions, located within the cranial cavity.
- Cerebrospinal fluid: The fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, providing protection and nourishment.
- Frontal lobe: The part of the brain located in the anterior cranial fossa.
- Temporal lobe: The part of the brain located in the middle cranial fossa.
- Cerebellum: The part of the brain located in the posterior cranial fossa.
- Brainstem: The part of the brain that connects the cerebrum with the spinal cord.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cranial cavity
- Wikipedia's article - Cranial cavity
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