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Human head

life science Maturity 11-13 Next article →

The human head is the uppermost part of the human body. It serves as a vital housing for the brain and the primary sensory organs. The structure is composed of a fleshy outer portion that surrounds a bony skull. This skull contains 22 different bones to provide protection. The head rests upon the neck, which is supported by seven cervical vertebrae. Most human heads fall within a specific weight range, representing over 98% of the population.

Head ap anatomy
Head ap anatomy

Inside the head, the brain acts as a central processing center for the entire body. This is possible because the head contains specialized sensory organs. These include two eyes, two ears, a nose, and a tongue located inside the mouth. These organs gather information from the environment and relay it to the brain. Having this central nerve cluster allows humans to process information very quickly. The skull protects the brain while the jaw and oral cavity allow for speech, chewing, and the start of digestion.

Gray784
Gray784

Blood reaches the head through a system of specific arteries. The internal carotid arteries carry blood to the area inside the skull. The external carotid arteries supply the area outside the skull. Additionally, the vertebral arteries provide blood to the interior of the skull. These vertebral arteries travel upward through the transverse foramina of the cervical vertebrae. This constant blood supply is necessary for the brain and facial tissues to function correctly.

Nerves provide the electrical signals required for movement and sensation. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves that provide most of the nervous control for the head. The facial nerve, known as the seventh cranial nerve, allows for facial expressions like smiling or grimacing. Sensation to the face is managed by the trigeminal nerve, which is the fifth cranial nerve. Other parts of the head receive sensation through the cervical nerves. While modern texts agree on most sensory areas, there are minor variations in specific details.

Gray784
Gray784

Human faces are the main way people distinguish one another. We notice features like eye color, hair color, and the shape of sensory organs. The human brain is biologically predisposed toward facial recognition. This is so strong that human infants are programmed to recognize subtle differences in faces. While science fiction often depicts aliens or geniuses with very large heads, brain size is not a perfect indicator of intelligence. Neurobiology shows that brain size is only slightly or moderately correlated with overall intelligence.

Head ap anatomy
Head ap anatomy

Measurements of the head, known as anthropometry, provide interesting data. A British study showed an average head circumference of 57.2 cm for males and 55.2 cm for females. In the United States, researchers have also estimated average circumferences for both sexes. Some medical conditions are linked to head size. For example, macrocephaly can indicate an increased risk for certain cancers in people with Cowden syndrome. In adults, this refers to head sizes larger than 58 cm in men or 57 cm in women.

Throughout history, humans have used head coverings for many different reasons. Headpieces can signal a person's religion, social group, or occupation. In many cultures, covering the head is a sign of respect, especially in holy places. Different religions require specific items, such as the Islamic taqiyah, the Jewish yarmulke, or the Sikh turban. Women may also wear a hijab or a Christian nun's habit. Hats can also be practical, serving as hard hats for safety or simply providing warmth.

0004 Madagascar (5558700320)
0004 Madagascar (5558700320)

The head also holds a significant place in human language and culture. We use many metaphors involving the head, such as the "head of the table" or being the "head of the class." Historically, some cultures practiced headhunting, which involved taking and preserving a person's head. This practice has occurred across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Oceania for thousands of years.

COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Een Ibu Dajak krijger uit Long Nawan Z. en O. afdeling Borneo. TMnr 60034031
COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Een Ibu Dajak krijger uit Long Nawan Z. en O. afdeling Borneo. TMnr 60034031
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File:COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Een Ibu Dajak krijger uit Long Nawan Z. en O. afdeling Borneo. TMnr 60034031.jpg
COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Een Ibu Dajak...
File:0004 Madagascar (5558700320).jpg
0004 Madagascar (5558700320).jpg
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