What part of the skull encompasses the brain?

The cranium is the part of the skull that encompasses and protects the brain. It is made up of several bones that are fused together and provides a rigid case that safeguards the brain from physical damage. The cranium also supports the structure of the face and provides attachment points for muscles. Its design allows for the brain to be housed securely while providing openings for important structures such as the spinal cord to connect with the brain.

The mandible, while an important part of the skull, is the lower jaw and does not contribute to the protection of the brain. The maxilla is the upper jawbone, which also does not encompass the brain but plays a role in facial structure and function. The occipital bone is a component of the cranium located at the back of the skull, and while it is part of the structure protecting the brain, it does not encompass the brain on its own. Thus, the cranium is the correct answer as it is the entire protective structure surrounding the brain.