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Skull and Facial Muscles - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
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[[Image:Deer Skull with Antlers.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Deer Skull - Copyright nabrown RVC]]
==Introduction==
==Introduction==
The shape and size of the skull varies widely, not only between species but also with age, breed and sex of similar species. 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 [[Ear - Anatomy & Physiology|ear]] and the cartilage of the [[Larynx - Anatomy & Physiology|larynx]], nose and [[Ear - 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 [[Horn - Anatomy & Physiology|horned]] ungulates such as red deer stags.
The shape and size of the skull varies widely, not only between species but also with age, breed and sex of similar species. 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 [[Ear - Anatomy & Physiology|ear]] and the cartilage of the [[Larynx - Anatomy & Physiology|larynx]], nose and [[Ear - 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 [[Horn - Anatomy & Physiology|horned]] ungulates such as red deer stags.