Sutures of the skull

The fibrous joints connecting the bones of the skull, allowing for slight movement and growth during development.

Sutures are specialized joints that hold the bones of the skull together. They are made of dense connective tissue, which is particularly important during infancy and childhood as it allows for brain growth. As a person matures, these sutures eventually ossify, forming solid bony connections.

Terminologia Anatomica

suturae cranii

System

Skeletal system

Function

The primary function of sutures is to provide structural integrity to the skull while permitting slight movement and flexibility, which is crucial during the initial stages of cranial development. This flexibility accommodates the growth of the brain and allows for a safe passage through the birth canal during delivery. Additionally, sutures protect the brain by forming a robust barrier against external trauma. Over time, as the individual matures, the sutures gradually fuse, leading to a more rigid and stable cranial structure, which provides a protective casing for the brain.

Location

Sutures are located along the joints of the skull. The major sutures include the sagittal suture, which runs from the front to the back of the skull, the coronal suture, which crosses from ear to ear over the top of the head, the lambdoid suture at the back of the skull, and the squamous suture located on the sides. These sutures form distinct lines between the different cranial bones, such as the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital bones, creating a unique pattern that is characteristic of the human skull.

Did You Know?

In infants, the spaces between the bones of the skull are called fontanelles and are covered by soft tissue, allowing for growth and expansion of the brain.
The sutures are not just static; they can change shape and adapt in response to various growth patterns, environmental factors, or injuries.
Certain cranial sutures can close too early, a condition known as craniosynostosis, which can affect skull shape and brain development.