Skull vs. Cranium — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 26, 2023
The "Skull" refers to the entire bony structure of the head, while the "Cranium" specifically denotes the part that encloses the brain.
Difference Between Skull and Cranium
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The "Skull" is a term that broadly describes the bony framework of the head. It comprises several bones, including those of the face and those that surround the brain. In everyday language, when people refer to the "Skull," they usually mean the entirety of this bone structure.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
On the other hand, the "Cranium" is a more specific term. When discussing the "Cranium," one refers to the part of the "Skull" that houses and protects the brain. This excludes the bones of the face. In medical and anatomical contexts, the distinction between the "Skull" and the "Cranium" is crucial, as each has different bones and structures.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
Moreover, the "Skull" includes the mandible (lower jaw), which is not part of the "Cranium." The mandible is essential for functions like speaking and eating. But when one mentions the "Cranium," they're exclusively talking about the upper part of the skull, minus the jaw.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
Interestingly, both "Skull" and "Cranium" have taken on symbolic and cultural meanings. The "Skull" often represents mortality, danger, or piracy, as seen in skull and crossbones symbols. Meanwhile, the "Cranium" might be more likely to conjure images related to thought, the mind, or intellect due to its association with the brain.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
Comparison Chart
Primary Definition
Entire bony structure of the head
Part of the skull enclosing the brain
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Components
Includes facial bones and cranium
Excludes facial bones
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Includes Mandible?
Yes
No
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Symbolic Representations
Often denotes mortality or danger
More linked to thought and intellect
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Sep 26, 2023
Usage
Broader in everyday language
Specific in medical and anatomical contexts
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Sep 26, 2023
Compare with Definitions
Skull
A symbol of mortality or danger.
Pirates use a skull and crossbones flag.
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Cranium
The upper part of the skull, minus the jaw.
The cranium consists of several bones fused together.
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Sep 26, 2023
Skull
A representation of the head in art or symbols.
The artist drew a detailed skull.
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Sep 26, 2023
Cranium
The part of the skull that encloses the brain.
The cranium protects our brain from injuries.
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Sep 26, 2023
Skull
The remains of the head's bony part.
Archaeologists discovered an ancient skull.
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Sep 26, 2023
Cranium
The bony vault forming the brain's protective casing.
A thick cranium helped early humans survive impacts.
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Sep 26, 2023
Skull
The framework housing the brain and facial structures.
The skull provides protection for the brain.
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Sep 26, 2023
Cranium
The structure supporting the scalp and hair.
Her cranium was smooth and symmetrical.
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Sep 26, 2023
Skull
The skull is a bone structure that forms the head in vertebrates. It supports the structures of the face and provides a protective cavity for the brain.
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Aug 01, 2021
Cranium
The skull's section that is above the eyes and ears.
The cranium can be felt as the rounded top of the head.
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Sep 26, 2023
Skull
A bone framework enclosing the brain of a vertebrate; the skeleton of a person's or animal's head
He broke his collar bone and fractured his skull
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Cranium
The skull.
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Aug 01, 2021
Skull
Hit (someone) on the head
My waking came in drugged stages—I had been skulled
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Aug 01, 2021
Cranium
The portion of the skull enclosing the brain; the braincase.
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Aug 01, 2021
Skull
The bony or cartilaginous framework that encloses and protects the brain and sense organs of all vertebrates and of one group of nonvertebrates (the hagfishes); cranium.
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Aug 01, 2021
Cranium
(skeleton) That part of the skull consisting of the bones enclosing the brain, but not including the bones of the face or jaw.
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Skull
(Informal)The head, regarded as the seat of thought or intelligence
Use your skull and solve the problem.
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Cranium
The upper portion of the skull, including the neurocranium and facial bones, but not including the jawbone (mandible).
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Skull
A death's-head.
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Cranium
(informal) skull.
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Skull
(anatomy) The main bones of the head considered as a unit; including the cranium, facial bones, and mandible.
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Aug 01, 2021
Cranium
The skull of an animal; especially, that part of the skull, either cartilaginous or bony, which immediately incloses the brain; the brain case or brainpan. See Skull.
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Aug 01, 2021
Skull
These bones as a symbol for death; death's-head.
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Aug 01, 2021
Cranium
The part of the skull that encloses the brain
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Aug 01, 2021
Skull
(figuratively) The mind or brain.
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Aug 01, 2021
Skull
A crust formed on the ladle, etc. by the partial cooling of molten metal.
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Aug 01, 2021
Skull
The crown of the headpiece in armour.
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Aug 01, 2021
Skull
(Scotland) A shallow bow-handled basket.
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Skull
Obsolete form of school
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Skull
To hit in the head with a fist, a weapon, or a thrown object.
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Skull
To strike the top of (the ball).
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Skull
A school, company, or shoal.
A knavish skull of boys and girls did pelt at him.
These fishes enter in great flotes and skulls.
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Aug 01, 2021
Skull
The skeleton of the head of a vertebrate animal, including the brain case, or cranium, and the bones and cartilages of the face and mouth. See Illusts. of Carnivora, of Facial angles under Facial, and of Skeleton, in Appendix.
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Aug 01, 2021
Skull
The head or brain; the seat of intelligence; mind.
Skulls that can not teach, and will not learn.
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Skull
A covering for the head; a skullcap.
Let me put on my skull first.
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Skull
A sort of oar. See Scull.
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Aug 01, 2021
Skull
The bony skeleton of the head of vertebrates
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Aug 01, 2021
Skull
The bony structure of the head, including the face.
The museum displayed a human skull.
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Sep 26, 2023
Common Curiosities
Why is the "Cranium" important?
The "Cranium" protects the brain from injuries.
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Sep 26, 2023
Is the mandible part of the "Cranium"?
No, the mandible is part of the "Skull" but not the "Cranium."
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Sep 26, 2023
Can "Skull" refer to symbolism?
Yes, "Skull" often symbolizes mortality or danger.
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Sep 26, 2023
Is the "Cranium" the same as the "Skull"?
No, the "Cranium" is part of the "Skull" that encloses the brain.
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Sep 26, 2023
Is the "Cranium" linked to intellect?
Symbolically, the "Cranium" relates to thought and the mind due to its association with the brain.
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Sep 26, 2023
Is the "Skull" unique to humans?
No, many vertebrates have skulls.
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Sep 26, 2023
Are the terms "Skull" and "Cranium" used in medical contexts?
Yes, especially "Cranium," which has specific anatomical implications.
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Sep 26, 2023
Does the "Skull" include facial bones?
Yes, the "Skull" comprises both facial bones and the cranium.
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Sep 26, 2023
How many bones form the "Cranium"?
The "Cranium" is formed by eight bones.
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Sep 26, 2023
What's the main function of the "Cranium"?
The primary function of the "Cranium" is to protect the brain.
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Can "Skull" be used in cultural or artistic contexts?
Yes, the "Skull" is a popular motif in art and culture.
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Sep 26, 2023
Is the "Cranium" a solid bone?
No, the "Cranium" consists of several bones fused together.
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Which is more specific, "Skull" or "Cranium"?
"Cranium" is more specific, referring only to the brain's enclosure.
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Sep 26, 2023
What connects the "Cranium" to the spine?
The foramen magnum in the "Skull" connects the "Cranium" to the spinal column.
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Sep 26, 2023
Do all animals have a "Cranium"?
Many vertebrates have a cranium, but its structure can vary between species.
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Sep 26, 2023
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content editor at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
