What is the primary purpose of the cribriform plate?

The primary purpose of the cribriform plate is to allow passage of olfactory nerves. This plate, which is a part of the ethmoid bone, contains numerous tiny holes through which the olfactory nerve fibers pass from the nasal cavity to the brain. These nerve fibers are responsible for the sense of smell, and their passage through the cribriform plate is crucial for olfaction. The structure's design facilitates this function, providing a pathway while maintaining a physical barrier and structural support for the brain above.

While supporting the brain and protecting the nasal cavity are important aspects of the skull's anatomy, they are not the primary functions of the cribriform plate itself. Additionally, anchoring the jaw involves different skeletal structures, such as the mandible and associated ligaments, rather than the cribriform plate.