[[1]] serves as a gateway to the brain.

The skull serves as a gateway to the brain providing a route for blood and other fluids to enter and exit the body. 

The skull consists of 22 bones in most adult specimens, and these bones come together via cranial sutures. 

The function of the skull is both structurally supportive and protective. 

The skull will harden and fuse through development to protect its inner contents like the cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem, and orbits.