Which structure directly protects the brain?

The structure that directly protects the brain is the cranium, which is the part of the skull that encases the brain. The cranium is a bony structure composed of several bones that form a protective barrier, safeguarding the brain from physical impacts, injury, and external threats. This primary function of the cranium is essential for the protection of brain tissue and is critical for maintaining its integrity.

While the skull encompasses the cranium and includes facial bones, it is the cranium specifically that provides direct protection to the brain. The meninges, which consist of three layers of protective tissues that surround the brain and spinal cord, serve a different function by providing additional protection and support, but they do not encase the brain like the cranium does. Similarly, the vertebrae protect the spinal cord, which is a separate structure from the brain. Therefore, the cranium is the vital structure that directly shields the brain from harm.