Sagittal suture

Sagittal suture

The sagittal suture is a dense, fibrous connective tissue joint between the two parietal bones of the skull. The term is derived from the Latin word "sagitta", meaning arrow. The sagittal suture is also known as the interparietal suture or sutura interparietalis.

Anatomy

The sagittal suture extends from the fontanelle at the front of the skull to the lambda at the back. It is located on the midline, dividing the skull into right and left halves. The suture is not a straight line, but rather has a serrated, or saw-toothed, appearance. This is due to the interlocking nature of the parietal bones.

Clinical significance

The sagittal suture is of clinical significance in the field of neurology and neurosurgery. It is often examined in newborns to assess for normal skull growth and development. Premature closure of the sagittal suture, a condition known as scaphocephaly or sagittal synostosis, can result in a long, narrow skull shape. This condition may require surgical intervention to prevent complications such as increased intracranial pressure and developmental delays.

See also

• Coronal suture
• Lambdoid suture
• Squamosal suture
• Metopic suture

External links

• Sagittal suture at AnatomyExpert.com