Cranial suture

Cranial Suture

Cranial sutures are fibrous joints that connect the bones of the skull. These joints are crucial during both the development of the skull and the protection of the brain. This article will explore the anatomy, function, and clinical significance of cranial sutures.

Anatomy

Cranial sutures are composed of dense fibrous connective tissue and are found between the various bones of the skull. The major sutures include:

• Coronal suture: This suture runs transversely across the skull, separating the frontal bone from the parietal bones.
• Sagittal suture: Located along the midline of the skull, it separates the two parietal bones.
• Lambdoid suture: Found at the posterior aspect of the skull, it separates the parietal bones from the occipital bone.
• Squamosal suture: This suture is located on the lateral aspect of the skull, separating the temporal bone from the parietal bone.

Function

Cranial sutures serve several important functions:

• Growth: Sutures allow for the growth of the skull during infancy and childhood. As the brain grows, the sutures permit the expansion of the skull bones.
• Protection: They provide a flexible yet strong connection between the bones, which helps absorb impact and protect the brain from injury.
• Birth: During childbirth, the flexibility of the sutures allows the bones of the skull to overlap slightly, facilitating passage through the birth canal.

Development

Cranial sutures are most prominent in infants and young children. Over time, these sutures gradually ossify and fuse, a process that typically completes in early adulthood. The timing of suture closure can vary, but premature closure can lead to conditions such as craniosynostosis.

Clinical Significance

Craniosynostosis

Craniosynostosis is a condition characterized by the premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures. This can lead to abnormal skull shape and potentially increased intracranial pressure. Treatment often involves surgical intervention to correct the skull shape and allow for normal brain growth.

Fontanelles

In infants, the areas where sutures intersect are known as fontanelles. These "soft spots" are clinically significant as they provide insight into the hydration status and intracranial pressure of the infant. The anterior fontanelle is the most prominent and typically closes by 18-24 months of age.

Imaging

Cranial sutures can be visualized using various imaging techniques, such as X-ray, CT scan, and MRI. These imaging modalities are useful in diagnosing conditions like craniosynostosis and assessing the development of the skull.

See Also

• Skull
• Fontanelle
• Craniosynostosis

External Links

• PubMed
• Mayo Clinic