Which bones protect the brain?

The skull is the structure that protects the brain. It is composed of several bones that are fused together to form a rigid, protective casing around the brain. This bony structure not only provides a physical barrier against trauma and injury but also houses the meninges, which are protective membranes that further cushion and safeguard the brain. The skull's design allows for the protection of delicate neural tissues while also providing openings for the cranial nerves and blood vessels. This critical function of the skull in brain protection cannot be replicated by the ribs, spine, or pelvis, which serve different protective roles for other organs in the body. The ribs, for instance, protect the heart and lungs, while the spine safeguards the spinal cord, and the pelvis supports pelvic organs and provides structural integrity to the lower body.