The word cranium means the part of the skull that encloses and protects the brain, often called the braincase or skull.

Basic meaning

  • In anatomy, the cranium is the bony structure of the head that surrounds the brain, excluding the lower jaw.
  • Many dictionaries use “cranium” almost interchangeably with “skull,” especially for the upper portion that acts as a protective case for the brain.

Extra details

  • The cranium is made up of several bones (such as the frontal, parietal, occipital, temporal, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones) that are joined together.
  • In everyday language and online slang, people sometimes use “cranium” humorously as a fancy word for “head” or “brain,” for example, “Use your cranium!”

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