The correct option is 8.
Explanation
The human skull is the bony framework of the head. It is anatomically divided into two distinct sets of bones: the cranial bones (neurocranium), which enclose and protect the brain, and the facial bones (viscerocranium), which form the front part of the skull.
Detailed Analysis
- Cranial Bones (8): The cranium is formed by exactly 8 bones. These are hard, protective bones that fuse together to form the braincase. They include:
- 1 Frontal bone
- 2 Parietal bones
- 2 Temporal bones
- 1 Occipital bone
- 1 Sphenoid bone
- 1 Ethmoid bone
- Facial Bones (14): The facial region consists of 14 bones, including the mandible, maxillae, zygomatics, and nasal bones.
- Total Skull Bones (22): The skull as a whole comprises 22 bones (8 cranial + 14 facial). This count excludes the hyoid bone and the ear ossicles.
Key Takeaway: It is crucial to distinguish between the cranium (8 bones) and the entire skull (22 bones). The cranium specifically refers to the neurocranium that houses the brain.