NEUROCRANIUM Meaning and
Definition
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The neurocranium is the bony structure that forms the protective enclosure for the brain and other vital structures within the skull. It is an integral component of the human skull, considered the superior portion of the cranial skeleton, and includes the cranial vault and base of the skull. Comprising various bones, such as the frontal, parietal, occipital, sphenoid, ethmoid, and temporal bones, the neurocranium provides essential support, stability, and protection for the delicate brain tissue and associated neural structures.
The neurocranium is primarily responsible for safeguarding the central nervous system, including the brain, cerebellum, brainstem, and cranial nerves. It not only shields these crucial components from external trauma but also ensures their proper functioning and maintenance. In addition, the neurocranium acts as an attachment site for several important structures, such as muscles involved in chewing, facial expressions, and eye movements.
This cranial structure plays a pivotal role in the overall functioning of the human body. It not only provides mechanical protection against external forces but also aids in maintaining the shape and integrity of the skull. Its intricate design and interlocking bones contribute to the structural stability required for proper development and growth of the brain. In summary, the neurocranium is a vital component of the human skull that serves the crucial functions of protection, support, and integrity for the brain and associated neural structures.
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The part of the skull enclosing the brain, as distinguished from the bones of the face.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for NEUROCRANIUM
- beurocranium
- meurocranium
- jeurocranium
- heurocranium
- nwurocranium
- nsurocranium
- ndurocranium
- nrurocranium
- n4urocranium
- n3urocranium
- neyrocranium
- nehrocranium
- nejrocranium
- neirocranium
- ne8rocranium
- ne7rocranium
- neueocranium
- neudocranium
- neufocranium
- neutocranium
Etymology of NEUROCRANIUM
The word "neurocranium" is composed of two morphemes: "neuro-" and "-cranium".
The prefix "neuro-" comes from the Greek word "neuron", meaning "nerve". It is often used in scientific terms related to the nervous system, such as "neurology" or "neuroscience".
The second morpheme "-cranium" is derived from the Greek word "kranion", which means "skull". It is also the source of the English word "cranium", referring to the part of the skull that encloses and protects the brain.
Therefore, "neurocranium" literally means the part of the skull associated with the nervous system or, more specifically, the brain.
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