What physical structure protects the brain and is made up of multiple bones?

The cranium serves as the protective structure for the brain and is composed of multiple bones fused together. Its primary function is to encase and safeguard the brain from external injuries and trauma. The cranium is made up of eight bones: the frontal bone, parietal bones (two), temporal bones (two), occipital bone, sphenoid bone, and ethmoid bone. Each of these bones plays a crucial role in forming the overall shape of the skull and providing a protective barrier for the brain, while also supporting the structures of the face.

In contrast, the cervical spine is the part of the vertebral column located in the neck and provides support to the head and protection for the spinal cord but does not directly protect the brain. The craniocervical junction refers to the area where the cranium meets the cervical spine, important for movement and stability, but it is not a bony structure itself. The mandible is the lower jawbone, which does not provide protection for the brain, as its primary function is related to chewing and articulation.