Question

Which of the following protects the brain?
A) Ribcage
B) Skull
C) Pelvic bones
D) All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: The brain is protected by bones and a covering known as meninges. The brain is also protected by cerebrospinal fluid. The spinal cord is protected by vertebrae. Meninges is a three-layered covering. It is made up of connective tissues.

Complete answer:
The brain is first protected by the skull. It is also known as the cranium. The skull provides physical protection and hence it is one of the hardest bones in the human body. The skull behaves like a helmet for the brain, and aids in the prevention of damage from the mechanical force which can occur from getting hit or falling down. The meninges provide cushioning from the skull, which is hard.

The three membranes of the meninges are called Dura Mater, the Arachnoid and Pia Mater. There is a special fluid, known as cerebrospinal fluids, which circulates throughout the body. It is present in the space between the Pia Mater and the Arachnoid. The function of cerebrospinal fluid in protection is to act as a shock absorber.

The ribcage provides primary protection to the heart and the lungs and secondary protection to other organs present in the abdominal cavity. The pelvic bones provide protection for the reproductive organs.
The skull provides protection for the brain. It consists of fixed joints of sutures.

Thus the correct answer is option ‘B’.

Note: The bones of the skull are divided into two main parts. They are the cranium and the facial bones. The cranium consists of eight bones, while fourteen bones make up the facial bone. The teeth are not part of the skull bones.