How many bones are contained in the human skull?

The human skull is composed of a total of 22 bones, which can be categorized into two main groups: the cranial bones and the facial bones. There are 8 cranial bones that form the protective case around the brain and 14 facial bones that structure the face. This arrangement not only provides support and shape but also protects the sensory organs and supports the teeth.

Understanding the number of bones in the skull is crucial for studying anatomy because it lays the foundation for recognizing how these bones articulate with one another and their roles in protecting the brain as well as facilitating movement and function of the jaw and face. Each category of bones plays a significant role in the overall structure and functionality of the human head.