Question

Why is it important for dental professionals to learn about the anatomy of the skull? Give examples of how knowledge of normal anatomy is needed in everyday practice.

Answer 1

It is important for dental professional to learn about the anatomy of skull because teeths are present in upper jaw and lower jaw. Upper jaw is maxilla and lower jaw is mandible. Maxilla is fixed to skull and lower jaw i.e mandible is the only movable bone of the face. As the teeths are linked to maxilla and mandible hence the dental professionals should know the anatomy and physiology of skull so that any diseases or disorders associated with teeth and jaws can be diagnosed and treated.

Knowledge of normal anatomy is needed in every day practice because it gives knowledge about the structure and function of human body for the practice of health and medicine by medical professionals. One should have proper knowledge and understanding of macroscopic and microscopic anatomy to have a better idea of disease conditions associated with them. Macroscopic anatomy involves study of body structures and organs visible to naked eye whereas microscopic anatomy involves study of cells and tissues. For example if one knows about the structure and function of heart in circulatory system we can diagnose any disease or disorders associated with it so that a proper treatment can be imparted so that the human body gets proper supply of blood. Similarly, Knowledge of kidney and other organs in urinary system makes a medical professional competent in treating the disease associated with urinary system.