ANP 1106 Chapter Notes - Chapter 7: Anterior Cranial Fossa, Middle Cranial Fossa, Petrous Part Of The Temporal Bone

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: Anatomy and Physiology
• Course: ANP 1106
• Professor: John Copeland

Document Summary

Skeleton/skeletal system: 20% body mass; 206 bones; divided into axial + appendicular portions. Axial skeleton: 80 bones segregated into 3 major regions: skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage; forms longitudinal body axis; supports head, neck, and trunk; protects brain, spinach cord, and thorax organs. Appendicular skeleton: upper/lower limb bones + pectoral/pelvic girdles; attach limbs to axial skeleton. Skull: most complex; formed by cranial bones (enclose/protect brain + provide attachment site for head/neck muscles) + facial bones [a) form face framework; b) contain sense organ cavities for sight. + taste + smell; c) provide opening=air/food passage; d) secure teeth; e) anchor facial muscle expression]=22 bones. Most=flat bones except mandible; united by sutures (interlocking joints); cranial bones connect to major skull sutures. Facial bones form anterior part of skull; cranium form rest. Internally: 3 bony ridges divide cranial base=3 distinct fossae: anterior (highest) fossa, middle fossa, 85 opening= 12 pairs of cranial nerves + blood vessels + spinal cord=transmit info to/from brain.