In human anatomy, the neurocranium, also known as the braincase, brainpan, brain-pan,[1][2] or brainbox, is the upper and back part of the skull, which forms a protective case around the brain.

Below the neurocranium is a complex of openings (foramina) and bones, including the foramen magnum which houses the neural spine.

In Chondrichthyes and other cartilaginous vertebrates this portion of the cranium does not ossify; it is not replaced via endochondral ossification.

The neurocranium is formed by the combination of the endocranium, the lower portions of the cranial vault, and the skull roof.

Through the course of evolution, the human neurocranium has expanded from comprising the back part of the mammalian skull to being also the upper part: during the evolutionary expansion of the brain, the neurocranium has overgrown the splanchnocranium.