As Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos come around, we see lots of decorations like pumpkins, ghosts, skeletons, and candy skulls. These fun symbols are not just for decoration; they also give us a chance to learn about the human skeleton, which is a really cool and important part of our bodies.
Every person has a skeleton, and it does many important jobs. It helps us stand up straight and move around. Without a skeleton, we would be as wobbly as a jellyfish! Our skeleton also protects important parts inside us, like our heart and lungs. The skull, which is part of the skeleton, keeps our brain safe.
The human skull is not just one bone. It is made up of 22 bones! These bones are divided into two groups: the cranium and the facial bones.
When babies are born, their skulls are quite big compared to their bodies because their brains grow fast. The bones in a baby’s skull are connected by soft seams called sutures, which help the skull be flexible during birth. There’s a soft spot called the fontanelle on top of a baby’s head that usually closes by the time they are two years old.
Fontanelles are important because they let the skull grow as the brain gets bigger. They also help the skull change shape a little during birth. It’s important to be gentle with these soft spots to keep the baby’s skull safe.
The skull has permanent openings called foramina. These openings let blood vessels and nerves go in and out of the skull, making sure the brain gets what it needs and can talk to the rest of the body.
The mandible, or jawbone, is special because it is the only bone in the skull that can move. It helps us talk and chew food, while the other skull bones stay still. This shows how amazing our skull is and how it helps us do everyday things.
Another interesting bone is the vomer, which is in the middle of the face and separates the left and right sides of the nose. Most facial bones come in pairs, which makes our faces look even. This symmetry is often seen as beautiful, which is why skulls are popular decorations during Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos.
While Halloween is often about spooky fun, Dia de Los Muertos is a time to remember and honor loved ones who have passed away. Skulls in these celebrations remind us of the beauty of life and the importance of remembering those we love.
As we enjoy Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos, let’s take a moment to appreciate how amazing our skeletons are. Learning about our skulls helps us understand more about our bodies and why they are so special. How do you celebrate these holidays? Share your traditions and thoughts!
Build Your Own Skeleton: Gather some craft supplies like paper, scissors, glue, and markers. Create a simple skeleton model by cutting out bone shapes and assembling them to form a skeleton. As you build, think about how each bone helps us move and protects our body. Can you name some of the bones you are using?
Skull Observation Walk: Take a walk around your neighborhood or look at decorations in your home. Count how many skulls you can find. Notice the different designs and colors. Discuss with a friend or family member why skulls are used in Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos decorations. What do you think makes them special?
Feel Your Own Skull: Gently touch your head and feel the different parts of your skull. Can you find where the cranium is? Try to locate your jawbone, the mandible, and move it to see how it helps you talk and chew. Think about how your skull protects your brain and helps you do everyday things.
