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Why do we have a skull? |
Inside the Body
Bones give our bodies our shape! All of our other body parts are pretty soft, so without our bones, we’d just be blobs on the ground. The skull is a collection of bones that has a very special purpose: it protects our brains!
Brains are the control centers for our bodies. Without them, we couldn’t walk, smell, sing, twitch, kick, or jump. Our hearts wouldn’t beat because they need our brains to tell them to do it. Our lungs wouldn’t breathe because our brains control that too!
The tissue that makes up the brain is very soft, sort of like tofu. Because of that, it can be easily damaged, and that can cause a whole lot of problems for a person.
Luckily we have skulls made of hard bone that protect our brains. They do a pretty good job, so most times when we bump our heads, it will hurt, but at least it will not damage our brains. Skulls can be damaged too though, so it’s always best to try to avoid bumping your head in the first place.
Did You Know?
Octopuses may not have bones, but even they have a type of skull that protects their brains! It’s made of cartilage, like our ears and the tips of our noses!
An Extra Skull!
Construction workers and carpenters wear hardhats to protect themselves in case something falls, like a tool that was accidentally left on a ladder. Our skulls are great protectors, but sometimes they can use a little help!
In what sort of situations would kids need some extra skull protection? How about when you ride a bike or go roller-skating? Do you wear something on your head to protect it? How does that act like an extra skull? Do you wear other protective gear too? Our bones are strong, but it’s always a good idea to give them some backup if you can! And if you do bump your head on something, tell a grown-up, so they can decide if you need to see a doctor.
