What is the difference between a skull and skeleton?

A skull and a skeleton are both composed of bones, but they serve different functions and have different structures. Here's the difference between the two:

Skull:

- The skull is the bony structure that forms the head and houses the brain.

- It protects the brain and provides support for the face.

- The skull consists of 22 bones, including the cranium (the upper part) and the mandible (the lower jawbone).

- The cranium encloses and safeguards the brain, while the mandible is responsible for chewing.

- The skull also contains openings for the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears, allowing for sensory functions.

Skeleton:

- The skeleton refers to the entire framework of bones that supports the body and provides structure.

- It consists of all the bones in the body, including the skull, spine, ribs, limbs, and other smaller bones.

- The skeleton has various functions, such as providing support and stability, protecting internal organs, facilitating movement, and producing blood cells.

- The skeleton also serves as a storage site for minerals like calcium and phosphorus.

In summary, the skull is a specific part of the skeleton that forms the head and protects the brain, while the skeleton refers to the complete structure of bones that provides support, protection, and facilitates various physiological functions throughout the body.