Skull · Flat bone
Frontal Bone (Forehead)
The frontal bone forms the forehead and the upper part of the eye sockets. It protects the front of the brain and shapes the appearance of the upper face.
What it is
The frontal bone is a large, curved flat bone forming the forehead. Behind it lie air-filled spaces called the frontal sinuses.
Where it is
The front of the skull, forming the forehead and the roofs of the eye sockets.
What it does
Protects the front (frontal lobes) of the brain, forms the forehead and upper eye sockets, and contains the frontal sinuses.
Connections
Joints and connections
- Sutures with the parietal, nasal and other facial bones
When things go wrong
Common injuries and conditions
- Frontal bone fracture (from significant head injury)
- Frontal sinusitis (inflammation of the sinus behind it)
Education and reference only. This explains the anatomy in plain terms; it is not a diagnosis. A severe injury, a visibly deformed limb, or the inability to move or bear weight needs urgent assessment — call 999 or go to A&E for a serious injury.
Did you know?
An interesting fact
At birth the frontal bone is in two halves, which usually fuse into one during early childhood.
Answers
Frontal Bone: frequently asked questions
What is the frontal bone?
The frontal bone forms the forehead and the upper part of the eye sockets, and protects the front of the brain.
Where are the frontal sinuses?
The frontal sinuses are air-filled spaces within the frontal bone, behind the forehead and eyebrows. They can become inflamed and painful during sinusitis.
Explore the skull
Related bones
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Anatomy and body systems
- Gray's Anatomy for Students (Drake, Vogl, Mitchell)
- TeachMeAnatomy — skeletal system
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