Chapter 7, Problem 1CYU

Name the bones that form the anterior cranial fossa.

Summary Introduction

To review:

The bones constituting the anterior cranial fossa.

Introduction:

The human skeletal system is divided into axial and appendicular skeleton. The limbs, pectoral girdle, and pelvic girdle are the components of the appendicular skeleton. The thoracic cage, skull, and vertebral column constitute the axial skeleton. The skull protects as well as houses the brain.

Explanation of Solution

The anterior cranial fossa is formed by frontal, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones. The skull is composed of facial and cranial bones. The cranial bones form the cranium that protects the brain as well as allows the attachment of head and neck muscles. The inferior portion of the cranium, also called the cranial base, constitutes the cranial fossae that closely fits with the brain. Bony ridges are situated on the internal surface of cranial fossae, which cause the segmentation of the cranial fossae into anterior, middle, and posterior cranial fossae. The cranial vault is the superior portion of cranium, which covers the brain.

The cribriform plates located on the superior region of ethmoid bone form the floor of anterior cranial fossae. The lesser wings of sphenoid bone constitute some part of the floor of anterior cranial fossae. The internal surface of frontal bone is responsible for giving rise to the region of anterior cranial fossa that supports the frontal lobe of the brain.