What part of the skull covers the top and sides of the head and consists of six bones?

The cranium is the correct answer because it comprises the upper part of the skull, which includes the top and sides of the head. It is made up of eight bones, but this group is often referred to collectively and is essential for protecting the brain and forming the structure of the head. It consists of the frontal bone, parietal bones (2), temporal bones (2), occipital bone, and sphenoid and ethmoid bones, which work together to create the protective casing for the brain.

Understanding the anatomy of the skull is crucial for hair cutting practice because it impacts how styles and haircuts are designed, particularly in relation to the shape of the head. Knowledge of the cranium helps stylists to better assess facial structure and plan haircuts that complement individual features.

The other options refer to different components of the skull. The maxilla is the upper jaw bone and does not cover the top or sides of the head. The mandible is the lower jaw bone, responsible for the motion of chewing and not related to the cranial structure. The occipital bone is a specific part of the cranial structure located at the back of the skull and does not encompass the entire area mentioned in the question.