Skull

What is a Skull?

A skull is the strong, bony shell that wraps around and safekeeps the brain in animals with backbones, called vertebrates. Think of it like a cozy helmet made by the body itself! In people, the skull makes up the head and has two big parts: one that holds the brain safe and another that supports the face.

The skull is made of many bones that fit together like a puzzle. These bones meet at special spots called sutures. They protect the brain, give us places for our eyes, ears, nose, and mouth, and help us see, hear, smell, taste, and chew food.

Fun Skull Facts

• Babies are born with soft spots on their heads called fontanelles. These spots let the skull change shape when a baby is born and as the brain grows. They slowly close as the child gets older.
• Some animals, like elephants and deer, have special parts on their skulls, such as tusks or antlers, that help them stay safe or find friends.
• The word “skull” comes from an old language called Old Norse, and scientists have studied skulls for hundreds of years to learn about history and nature.

Skulls in Nature

Skulls look different in all sorts of animals. From tiny birds to huge elephants, each skull fits the needs of that animal. For example, birds have light skulls for flying, and fish may have flexible skulls made of a special material called cartilage.

Whether you see a skull in a human, a bird, or an elephant, it always does an important job: keeping the brain safe and helping the animal use its senses.