Final answer:
The cranium, or skull, protects the brain as part of the skeletal system. It consists of cranial bones forming a protective cavity, with the added defense of meninges and cerebrospinal fluid for shock absorption.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Protection of the Brain by the Skeletal System
The part of the skeletal system that protects the brain is known as the cranium or skull. The cranium is a critical structure of the head that not only supports the face but also offers robust protection for the brain. Composed of cranial bones that form the cranial cavity, the skull ensures that the brain is enclosed and safeguarded against non-traumatic injury. Additionally, the rounded cranial vault, which is part of the cranium, surrounds and secures the brain, housing vital structures such as the middle and inner ear. Face and brain protection are paramount, and the skull's firm cranial bones and the facial bones all contribute to securing the soft tissues of the brain.
To further enhance protection, the brain and spinal cord are shielded by the meninges, which are layers of membrane, and a cushioning liquid called cerebrospinal fluid. This configuration provides additional shock absorption and defense against potential harm.