Which term describes the facial skeleton?

• A. Neurocranium
• B. Viscerocranium
• C. Osteon
• D. Haversian canal

Answer: (B)

Viscerocranium refers to the bones that form the face—the facial skeleton. This set includes the maxillae, zygomatic bones, nasal bones, lacrimal bones, palatine bones, inferior nasal conchae, vomer, and often the mandible, all shaping the facial features and orbits. The neurocranium, by contrast, forms the cranium proper that protects the brain. The other terms describe bone tissue itself rather than bones: an osteon is the basic structural unit of compact bone, with concentric lamellae around a central Haversian canal that houses vessels and nerves.