Anatomy of Head

An appreciation of the anatomy of the head is important in understanding the mechanism of injuries to the head and brain. The brain is enclosed within a rigid skull. The brain sits on bones that make up the base of the skull.

The spinal cord passes through a hole in the underside of the brain. Under the skull, adhering to the bones, is a tough tissue called the dura that surrounds the brain. Between the brain and the dura is a space containing cerebrospinal fluid that protects the brain tissue from mechanical shock. The brain “floats” in the cerebrospinal fluid but it can only move about 1 millimetre in any direction. The skull is covered by the scalp, which provides some additional protection.