Calvaria (skull)

Calvaria (also known as the skullcap) is the upper, domed part of the skull. The calvaria is made up of the superior portions of the frontal bone, parietal bones, and occipital bone. These bones are joined together by the sutures.

Etymology

The term "calvaria" is derived from the Latin word calva, meaning "bald head".

Anatomy

The calvaria is made up of three layers: the outer table, diploë, and inner table. The outer table is a layer of compact bone that forms the hard, protective exterior of the skull. The diploë is a layer of spongy bone that lies between the outer and inner tables. The inner table is another layer of compact bone that forms the interior surface of the skull.

Clinical significance

The calvaria is often involved in medical procedures and diagnoses. For example, a craniotomy is a surgical operation that involves removing a portion of the calvaria to access the brain. In forensic pathology, the sutures of the calvaria can be used to estimate age at death.

Related terms

• Craniotomy: A surgical operation that involves removing a portion of the calvaria to access the brain.
• Suture: The joints that connect the bones of the calvaria.
• Frontal bone: One of the bones that make up the calvaria.
• Parietal bones: Two of the bones that make up the calvaria.
• Occipital bone: One of the bones that make up the calvaria.

Calvaria (skull) Resources
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