Skull

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Definition of Skull
(Scientific name: Crania)

From the elephant glossary Section: elephant anatomy

Cranium from elephant

Carium from <a href="database2.php?elephant_id=61">Asian female elephant Lunkentuss</a>, who died 1941 at Stockholm Zoo (Skansen). The cranium is a taxidermy specimen at Swedish Natural History Museum in Stockholm.

Carium from Asian female elephant Lunkentuss, who died 1941 at Stockholm Zoo (Skansen). The cranium is a taxidermy specimen at Swedish Natural History Museum in Stockholm.

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An elephant's skull is resilient enough to withstand the forces generated by the leverage of the Tusks and head-to-head collisions. The back of the skull is flattened and spread out, creating arches that protect the brain in every direction.

The skull contains air cavities (sinuses, also called diploe: Pneumatized bone containing air cells making the bone light-weight) that reduce the weight of the skull while maintaining overall strength. These cavities give the inside of the skull a honeycomb-like appearance.

The cranium is particularly large and provides enough room for the attachment of muscles to support the entire head. The lower jaw is solid and heavy. Because of the size of the head, the neck is relatively short to provide better support.

Lacking a lacrimal apparatus, the eye relies on the harderian gland to keep it moist. A durable nictitating membrane protects the eye globe. The animal's field of vision is compromised by the location and limited mobility of the eyes. Elephants are considered dichromats and they can see well in dim light but not in bright light

Reference list Koehl, Dan, (2025). Skull. Elephant Encyclopedia, available online retrieved 20 September 2021 at https://www.elephant.se/index.php?id=37. (archived at the Wayback machine)

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Definition of Skull(Scientific name: Crania)

From the elephant glossary Section: elephant anatomy

Selected external links for this article about Skull:

External relevant search

Definition of Skull
(Scientific name: Crania)