Which part of the skull is responsible for protecting the brain?

The cranium is the part of the skull that serves the crucial function of protecting the brain. It is composed of several bones that are fused together to form a sturdy, bony structure which encases the brain and serves as its protective barrier against physical impacts and injury. The design of the cranium not only protects the brain but also provides attachment points for muscles and supports the structures of the face.

In contrast, the facial skeleton plays a role in forming the structure of the face and supports features such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, but it does not offer the same protective capabilities for the brain. The mandible, or lower jawbone, and the maxilla, or upper jawbone, are also key components of the facial skeleton and are primarily involved in functions related to chewing and facial aesthetics, rather than in safeguarding the brain.