Session 2: Osteology And Radiology Of The Skull And Cervical Vertebrae Flashcards
How many bones is the skull made up of?
22
Which part of the sphenoid bone can be seen on the outside of the skull?
Greater wing
Which of the bones of the skull is able to move?
Mandible
What is the purpose of the neurocranium?
To encase and protect the brain
By which process is the calvaria formed?
Intramembranous ossification
Describe the bones of the calvaria
Tri-laminar arrangement consisting of an outer table, diploeic cavity and an inner table
What are sutures?
Fibrous joints at intersections of the bones of the skull
How do sutures prevent slippage and movement?
They are serrated
Why doesn’t a cephalohaematoma pose a risk to the brain?
Haematoma is between the periosteum and bone so blood cannot pass through the sutures to enter the cranium
What is the significance of the periosteum being continuous through the outer and inner tables of bone?
Prevents passage of substances into the cranium
What is a fontanelle?
A large unossified membranous area in the calvaria
When does the anterior fontanelle fuse?
18 months to 2 years
At what age does the posterior fontanelle fuse?
1-3 months
What is the purpose of the fontanelles?
They allow for alteration of the skull size/shape in birth
What does a linear fracture of the skull mean?
Full thickness of the skull is passed but no bone displacement
