skull

The Skull

The skull is a complex structure composed of 29 bones, most of which are joined together by immovable fibrous joints called sutures.

The skull bones can be conveniently classified into 2 groups, the bones of the cranium, which surround the brain, and the bones of the face. The external bones in each group are at least partly visible on the outside of the skull and can be used as descriptive landmarks. The internal bones are hidden within the skull.

	lateral views of canine and equine skulls	l
	dorsal views of canine and equine skulls
	caudal view of canine skull

Bones of the cranium

External

	frontal bones
	interparietal bones
	occipital bone
	parietal bones
	temporal bones

Internal

	ethmoid bone
	sphenoid bone

Bones of the face

External

	incisive bones
	lacrimal bones
	mandible
	maxillary bones
	nasal bones
	zygomatic bones

Internal

	palatine bones
	pterygoid bones
	turbinates
	vomer bone

Bones of the ear

Internal

	malleus
	incus
	stapes