How many bones are in the human skull?

The human skull is composed of 22 bones, which include both the cranial and facial bones. The cranial bones, which protect the brain, consist of eight bones: the frontal, parietals (2), temporals (2), occipital, sphenoid, and ethmoid. The facial bones comprise 14 bones, which include structures such as the maxillae, mandible, zygomatics, and nasal bones. This specific count is significant because it reflects the complexity and protective function of the skull in encasing the brain and forming the structure of the face. Understanding the anatomy of the skull is crucial for various dental procedures, especially in relation to dental anatomy and surgical considerations.