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==Introduction==

==Introduction==

The skull is divided into three components- the neurocranium, the dermatocranium and the viscerocranium. The skull protects the brain and head against injury and supports the structures of the face. In some animals the skull is also used for defensive actions, for example in [[Anatomy & Physiology of the Horn|horned]] ungulates such as rhino.  

The skull is divided into three components- the neurocranium, the dermatocranium and the viscerocranium. The skull also includes the [[Hyoid Apparatus - Anatomy & Physiology|hyoid apparatus]], mandible, ossicles of the middle [[Special Senses - Auditory - Anatomy & Physiology|ear]] and the cartilage of the [[Larynx - Anatomy & Physiology|larynx]], nose and [[Special Senses - Auditory - Anatomy & Physiology|ear]]. The skull protects the brain and head against injury and supports the structures of the face. In some animals the skull is also used for defensive actions, for example in [[Anatomy & Physiology of the Horn|horned]] ungulates such as red deer stags.  

The neurocranium develops from the neural crest and mesoderm and undergoes  endochondral ossification. It lies ventral to the brain.

The neurocranium develops from the neural crest and mesoderm and undergoes  endochondral ossification. It lies ventral to the brain.

The dermatocranium lies dorsal to the brain and develops from the neural crest and mesoderm. It undergoes intramembranous oddification.

The dermatocranium lies dorsal to the brain and develops from the neural crest and mesoderm. It undergoes intramembranous ossification.

The viscerocranium is the pharyngeal skeleton. It is derived only from the neural crest and undergoes endochondral and intramembranous ossification.

The viscerocranium is the pharyngeal skeleton. It is derived only from the neural crest and undergoes endochondral and intramembranous ossification.

==Structure==

==Structure==

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*The skull is made of many smaller bones

 

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*Cartilage or fibrous tissue separates the bones of the skull in the young animal

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*Once growth has ceased, the sutures begin to ossify

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==Function==

==Function==

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*Protection of brain

 

 

 

==Vasculature==

==Vasculature==

==Species Differences==

==Species Differences==

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*Dogs have different skull lengths depending on breed

==Links==

==Links==