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Overview of the Skull

Overview of the Skull

The cranium (skull) is the skeletal structure of the head that supports the face and protects the brain. It is subdivided into the facial bones and the brain case, or cranial vault. The facial bones underlie the facial structures, form the nasal cavity, enclose the eyeballs, and support the teeth of the upper and lower jaws.
The cranial vault surrounds and protects the brain and houses the middle and inner ear structures. This cavity is bounded superiorly by the rounded top of the skull, which...

Muscles for Facial Expressions

Muscles for Facial Expressions

The craniofacial muscles are a collection of approximately 20 thin skeletal muscles situated beneath the skin of the face and scalp. These muscles, primarily responsible for the vast array of human facial expressions, originate from the bones or fibrous structures of the skull and extend outwards to connect with the skin. While most skeletal muscles in the body are enveloped in thick fascia, facial muscles generally have a more delicate fascial covering, with the buccinator muscle being a...

Cranial Bones: Superior and Posterior View

Cranial Bones: Superior and Posterior View

The superior view of the cranium shows the frontal and paired parietal bones.
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior midline, between the eyebrows, there is a slight depression called the glabella. The frontal bone also forms the supraorbital margin of the orbit. Near the middle of this margin is the supraorbital foramen, the opening that provides passage for a sensory nerve to the forehead. The frontal bone is thickened just above each supraorbital margin,...

Cranial Bones: Lateral View

Cranial Bones: Lateral View

The lateral view of the cranium is dominated by temporal, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones.
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...

Sutures of the Skull

Sutures of the Skull

The human skull is composed of several bones that come together to protect the brain and support the structures of the face. The junctions where these bones meet are called sutures.
Sutures are immobile joints between adjacent bones of the skull. The narrow gap between the bones is filled with dense, fibrous connective tissue that unites the bones. The long sutures located between the skull bones are not straight but instead follow irregular, tightly twisting paths. These twisting lines tightly...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Treatment of Facial Deformities using 3D Planning and Printing of Patient-Specific Implants

Treatment of Facial Deformities using 3D Planning and Printing of Patient-Specific Implants

Published on: May 23, 2020

[Craniofacial prostheses for facial defects].

P A Federspil¹

¹Univ.-Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Klinik Heidelberg, Deutschland. federspil@med.uni-heidelberg.de <federspil@med.uni-heidelberg.de>

|April 16, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Craniofacial prostheses, or epitheses, are advanced silicone devices for facial defects. Extraoral implants offer secure anchoring, improving outcomes for various patient groups.

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3D Planning and Printing of Patient Specific Implants for Reconstruction of Bony Defects

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Treatment of Facial Deformities using 3D Planning and Printing of Patient-Specific Implants

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Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model

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3D Planning and Printing of Patient Specific Implants for Reconstruction of Bony Defects

3D Planning and Printing of Patient Specific Implants for Reconstruction of Bony Defects

Published on: August 4, 2020

Area of Science:

Maxillofacial Surgery
Biomaterials Science
Prosthodontics

Context:

Facial defects necessitate reconstructive solutions, with craniofacial prostheses serving as artificial substitutes.
Silicone-based prostheses represent the current state-of-the-art in prosthetic rehabilitation.
Various retention methods exist, including anatomical, mechanical, chemical, and surgical fixation.

Purpose:

To review the indications, contraindications, advantages, and disadvantages of craniofacial prostheses.
To outline different retention methods for craniofacial prostheses, focusing on extraoral implant systems.
To summarize key principles of extraoral implantology and patient management considerations.

Summary:

Craniofacial prostheses (epitheses) are artificial replacements for facial defects, with silicone being the current material of choice.
Retention can be achieved through anatomical, mechanical, chemical, or surgical means, notably via osseointegrated titanium implants.
Extraoral implant systems provide secure prosthesis anchoring, irrespective of defect size or location, emphasizing atraumatic surgical techniques.

Impact:

Extraoral implants enable secure and stable craniofacial prostheses, enhancing functional and aesthetic outcomes.
Understanding implant positioning and management strategies is crucial for successful rehabilitation, especially in pediatric and irradiated patients.
This review provides a comprehensive overview for clinicians managing patients requiring craniofacial prostheses.