Cranial refers to anything related to the skull or cranium, specifically the bones protecting the brain. It's a term primarily used in a medical context.
Understanding Cranial
The word "cranial" is an adjective, meaning it describes something. It always precedes a noun and indicates a connection to the skull or the brain it encases.
-
Examples: Cranial nerves, cranial bones, cranial surgery.
-
Practical Insight: When a doctor mentions a "cranial injury," they are referring to damage to the skull or the brain within. "Cranial nerves" are those originating from the brain.
Defining Cranial in Medical Terms
As defined by the Britannica Dictionary, cranial means "of or relating to the bones of the head that cover the brain" or "of or relating to the skull or cranium." This emphasizes the anatomical location and function of structures described as cranial. Think of it as specifying that something is located within or related to the head's bony structure.
