Frontal bone

Frontal bone is a bone in the human skull. The bone consists of two portions. These are the vertical portion, also known as the squamous part, and the horizontal portion, known as the orbital part. The bone plays a crucial role in the structure of the face, particularly the forehead and the upper eye sockets.

Structure

The frontal bone is a single bone which forms the forehead, the roof of the orbits (eye sockets), and the anterior part of the cranial floor. It is made up of two parts: the vertical portion, or squamous part, and the horizontal portion, or orbital part.

Squamous part

The squamous part is the large, scale-like, curved portion which forms the forehead and the upper parts of the orbits. It is thick and highly arched in its upper part, but becomes thinner as it descends to join the orbital part.

Orbital part

The orbital part is the horizontal portion which forms the roofs of the orbits and the greater part of the anterior cranial fossa. It is thin, translucent, and bounded by sharp edges.

Function

The frontal bone serves several functions. It provides protection for the brain, gives shape to the forehead and the upper eye sockets, and supports the structures of the head and face.

Clinical significance

Conditions that can affect the frontal bone include fractures, infections, and tumors. These can lead to symptoms such as pain, swelling, and changes in the shape or function of the forehead or eye sockets.

See also

• Skull
• Cranial bones
• Orbit (anatomy)

Frontal_bone

• Frontal bone - animation 02
  Frontal bone - animation 02
• Frontal bone lateral view
  Frontal bone lateral view