The base of the skull, also known as the cranial base, refers to the lower, bony structure that forms the foundation and posterior part of the skull. It is located at the bottom-most portion of the cranium, directly adjacent to the neck and upper vertebrae of the spine. Serving as a crucial anatomical region, it provides support and protection to various vital structures within the head.
The base of the skull can be divided into three main areas: the anterior cranial fossa, the middle cranial fossa, and the posterior cranial fossa. Each fossa hosts different structures and has distinct functional purposes.
The anterior cranial fossa, located in the front part of the base, cradles the frontal lobes of the brain, connected to the orbits which house the eyes. The middle cranial fossa resides in the middle section of the base, containing the temporal lobes of the brain and accommodating structures like the pituitary gland and the internal carotid arteries. Lastly, the posterior cranial fossa lies at the posterior part of the base and shelters the cerebellum and brainstem.
The base of the skull also provides passages for essential structures entering or exiting the skull, such as the spinal cord, blood vessels, cranial nerves, and vital passageways for the respiratory and digestive systems. Together, these structures and functions make the base of the skull a fundamental component of the skeletal system and a vital landmark in medical and anatomical studies.
