Growth and Development of the Skull Flashcards
What is a synchondrosis
A primary cartilaginous joint - mainly found in the developing skeleton
Give an example of a synchondrosis
Between the first rib and sternum
Hyaline cartilage between the two bone surfaces with very little movement permitted
Where is the sphenoid-occipital synchondrosis
Between the sphenoid and occipital bones - allows growth in the base of the skull
What is an ossification centre
The starting point for bone growth
Some bones in the skull develop from several ossification centres, which later fuse into a single bone
What is the first ossification centre to appear
The primary ossification centre
How many ossification centres does the occipital bone have
Usually 6 - parts 3 and 4 are usually fused by birth
What is a fontanelle
Membranous areas (soft spots) between bones of the calvarium (neocranium)
Why are fontanelle important in the developing skull
Allow for compression and overlap of bones during birthing - head can appear slightly distorted for several days after birth
Also important for continued rapid growth of the brain after baby is born
How many fontanelle are there and when does each close
1x anterior - around 2 years
1x posterior - between 1-3 months
2x mastoid (posterolateral) - around 6-18 months
2x sphenoidal (anterolateral) - around 6 months
What are the 8 cranial bones
Frontal bone Parietal bone (2) Temporal bone (2) Occipital bone Sphenoid bone Ethmoid bone
What are the 14 facial bones
Nasal - 2 Lacrimal - 2 Inferior nasal concha - 2 Maxilla - 2 Mandible - 1 Vomer - 1 Zygomatic - 2 Palatine - 2
What are the 4 sutures of the skull
Metopic suture
Coronal suture
Sagittal suture
Lambdoid suture
