cranial

[ˈkreɪniəl]

cranial Definition

• 1. relating to the skull or cranium
• 2. relating to the brain

Using cranial: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "cranial" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The cranial nerves are responsible for many functions of the head and neck.

• Example

  The cranial bones protect the brain from injury.

• Example

  The cranial cavity houses the brain.

cranial Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for cranial

• cerebral
• encephalic
• skull

Phrases with cranial

• cranial nerve

  a nerve that emerges directly from the brain, rather than from the spinal cord, and is responsible for sensory and motor functions of the head and neck

  Example

  The cranial nerves are numbered and named according to their function.

• cranial capacity

  the volume of the interior of the skull, used as a measure of the size of the brain

  Example

  The cranial capacity of Homo sapiens is larger than that of any other living primate.

• cranial trauma

  injury to the skull or brain caused by an external force

  Example

  The patient was admitted to the hospital with severe cranial trauma after a car accident.

Origins of cranial

from Latin 'cranium', meaning 'skull'

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Summary: cranial in Brief

The term 'cranial' [ˈkreɪniəl] refers to the skull or cranium, and also to the brain. It is used in medical contexts to describe the nerves, bones, and cavities of the head and neck, such as 'The cranial nerves are responsible for many functions of the head and neck.' 'Cranial' can also be used to describe the size of the brain, as in 'cranial capacity,' or injuries to the skull or brain, as in 'cranial trauma.'