The brainstem is the part of the brain that directly connects with the spinal cord. It contains regions that modulate breathing and heart function, as well as pathways for communication between the brain and the spinal cord. The cranial nerves emerge from the brainstem—controlling movement and sensation in and around the face.

The skull (cranium) is a complex bony structure composed of two distinct regions: the neurocranium and viscerocranium. The viscerocranium is a collection of bones that make up the face skeleton. It is named in contrast to the neurocranium (braincase), or the bones of the skull that accommodate the human brain .