Skull vs. Braincase — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 19, 2024
The skull is the entire bony structure of the head, including the jaw and facial bones, while the braincase, or cranium, is the part of the skull that encloses and protects the brain.
Difference Between Skull and Braincase
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
The skull is a complex structure composed of 22 bones that form the head, providing support and protection for the brain, sensory organs, and structures of the face. The braincase, or cranium, is a subset of the skull, specifically encompassing the bones that encase and protect the brain.
The skull includes the mandible (lower jaw) and facial bones such as the maxilla, zygomatic bones, and nasal bones. These bones contribute to facial structure and functions like eating and breathing. The braincase, however, excludes the mandible and is made up of eight bones: the frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones.
While the skull supports facial features and provides attachment points for muscles, the braincase's primary function is to encase and protect the brain. The braincase forms the upper portion of the skull and is critical for safeguarding the brain from injury.
The skull's broader structure allows for protection of the brain, housing of sensory organs (eyes, ears, nose), and facilitates communication through jaw movement. The braincase, with its robust and rounded form, is specifically designed to shield the delicate brain tissue from physical impacts.
In terms of development, the skull bones are initially separate in infants, allowing for growth and brain expansion, and gradually fuse over time. The braincase bones also undergo this process, ensuring the brain is adequately protected as it grows.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Entire bony structure of the head
Part of the skull enclosing the brain
Components
Includes jaw and facial bones
Includes frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones
Function
Protects brain, supports facial features, aids in eating and breathing
Protects and encloses the brain
Development
Bones fuse over time after birth
Bones fuse to protect growing brain
Structure
22 bones including mandible and facial bones
8 bones excluding mandible
Compare with Definitions
Skull
Provides attachment points for head and neck muscles.
Muscles attach to the skull, enabling movement of the head.
Braincase
Excludes the mandible and facial bones.
The braincase does not include the lower jaw.
Skull
Protects sensory organs like eyes and ears.
The skull houses the eyes and provides sockets for protection.
Braincase
Forms the upper portion of the skull.
The braincase makes up the top and back part of the skull.
Skull
The entire bony framework of the head.
The archaeologist found an ancient skull in the excavation site.
Braincase
Composed of eight bones including the frontal and parietal bones.
The cranium consists of the frontal, parietal, temporal, and other bones.
Skull
Composed of the cranium and facial bones.
The skull protects the brain and forms the structure of the face.
Braincase
Provides a rigid protective structure for the brain.
The braincase shields the brain from physical impacts.
Skull
Includes the mandible (lower jaw).
The skull's jaw allows for chewing and speaking.
Braincase
The part of the skull that encloses the brain. Also called brainpan.
Skull
The skull is a bone structure that forms the head in vertebrates. It supports the structures of the face and provides a protective cavity for the brain.
Braincase
The part of the skull that contains the brain; the neurocranium.
Skull
A bone framework enclosing the brain of a vertebrate; the skeleton of a person's or animal's head
He broke his collar bone and fractured his skull
Braincase
The part of the skull that encloses the brain.
Skull
Hit (someone) on the head
My waking came in drugged stages—I had been skulled
Braincase
The part of the skull that encloses the brain
Skull
The bony or cartilaginous framework that encloses and protects the brain and sense organs of all vertebrates and of one group of nonvertebrates (the hagfishes); cranium.
Skull
(Informal)The head, regarded as the seat of thought or intelligence
Use your skull and solve the problem.
Skull
A death's-head.
Skull
(anatomy) The main bones of the head considered as a unit; including the cranium, facial bones, and mandible.
Skull
These bones as a symbol for death; death's-head.
Skull
(figuratively) The mind or brain.
Skull
A crust formed on the ladle, etc. by the partial cooling of molten metal.
Skull
The crown of the headpiece in armour.
Skull
(Scotland) A shallow bow-handled basket.
Skull
Obsolete form of school
Skull
To hit in the head with a fist, a weapon, or a thrown object.
Skull
To strike the top of (the ball).
Skull
A school, company, or shoal.
A knavish skull of boys and girls did pelt at him.
These fishes enter in great flotes and skulls.
Skull
The skeleton of the head of a vertebrate animal, including the brain case, or cranium, and the bones and cartilages of the face and mouth. See Illusts. of Carnivora, of Facial angles under Facial, and of Skeleton, in Appendix.
Skull
The head or brain; the seat of intelligence; mind.
Skulls that can not teach, and will not learn.
Skull
A covering for the head; a skullcap.
Let me put on my skull first.
Skull
A sort of oar. See Scull.
Skull
The bony skeleton of the head of vertebrates
Common Curiosities
What is the skull?
The skull is the entire bony structure of the head, including the jaw and facial bones.
What is the braincase?
The braincase, or cranium, is the part of the skull that encloses and protects the brain.
What bones are part of the braincase?
The braincase includes the frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones.
How many bones are in the braincase?
The braincase is composed of eight bones.
How many bones are in the skull?
The skull consists of 22 bones.
What is the primary function of the skull?
The skull's primary functions are to protect the brain, support facial structures, and facilitate eating and breathing.
What structures does the braincase protect?
The braincase specifically protects the brain.
Are the bones of the skull fused at birth?
No, the bones of the skull are not fully fused at birth; they fuse over time to accommodate brain growth.
Can the braincase be affected by trauma?
Yes, the braincase can be damaged by impacts, potentially leading to brain injury.
Can the skull be affected by trauma?
Yes, the skull can be fractured or damaged by physical trauma.
Does the braincase include the jaw?
No, the braincase does not include the mandible (lower jaw).
What is the primary function of the braincase?
The primary function of the braincase is to encase and protect the brain.
Are the bones of the braincase fused at birth?
Similar to the skull, the bones of the braincase are not fully fused at birth and fuse as the brain grows.
What are the attachment points on the skull for?
The attachment points on the skull are for muscles that facilitate head and neck movement.
What structures does the skull protect?
The skull protects the brain, eyes, ears, and other sensory organs.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Hardening vs. Tempering
Next Comparison
Url vs. PathAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
