The skull is a bony structure that forms the head of the vertebrate skeleton. In humans, it houses and protects the brain and sensory organs such as the eyes and ears. The skull is divided into two main parts: the cranium and the mandible.

1. Cranium: This is the upper part of the skull that encloses and protects the brain. It is made up of several bones that are fused together, including the frontal bone, parietal bones, temporal bones, occipital bone, sphenoid bone, and ethmoid bone.

2. Mandible: Commonly known as the jawbone, the mandible is the lower part of the skull. It is a movable bone that articulates with the skull at the temporomandibular joints, allowing for actions such as chewing and talking.

The skull also features various openings and cavities for structures like the eyes, nose, and mouth. The orbits house the eyeballs, and the nasal cavity contains the nose. The oral cavity includes the mouth and its structures.

The skull plays a crucial role in protecting the brain and supporting sensory organs. It also provides attachment points for muscles that control facial expressions and movements of the jaw. In addition to its functional aspects, the skull has cultural and symbolic significance in various societies and is often used as a symbol of mortality or as a motif in art and literature.