Which part of the skull protects the brain?

The cranial vault, also known as the calvaria, serves as the protective casing for the brain. It is composed of several bones, including the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital bones, which together form a sturdy structure that encapsulates the brain and protects it from injury. The design of the cranial vault ensures that it can absorb impacts and shield the delicate tissues of the brain from external forces.

In contrast, the facial bones, such as the maxilla and mandible, primarily support the structures of the face, including the jaw and the orbits for the eyes. While they play crucial roles in facial structure and function, they do not provide direct protection to the brain. Thus, their protective function is limited compared to that of the cranial vault.