What does the skull primarily protect?

The skull primarily protects the brain and sense organs. It serves as a hard, bony encasement for the brain, safeguarding it from injury due to external impacts. The structure of the skull is designed to absorb shock and minimize damage from physical forces, which is vital given the brain's role in controlling body functions and processing sensory information.

In addition to protecting the brain, the skull also houses and safeguards various sense organs, including those responsible for vision (the eyes), hearing (the ears), taste (associated with the mouth), and olfaction (the nose). This dual protection—of the brain and sense organs—highlights the skull's importance in both neurological function and sensory perception, making it a critical component of the body's overall defense system.