Finds of Skulls of Juvenile Kurdalagonus maicopicus (Cetacea, Cetotheriidae) in the Upper Miocene of the Republic of Adygea.

Fragments of two skulls of young cetotheriid baleen whales were described from the Fortep'yanka 2 locality (Russia, Republic of Adygea, Maikop district, Fortep'yanka River valley, Upper Miocene, Upper Sarmatian, Blinovskaya Formation). The finds were attributed to Kurdalagonus maicopicus (Spasskii, 1951) based on the morphology of the posterior (mastoid) process of the petrosal bone, the structure of the posterior edge of the temporal fossa, and the S-like shape of the supraoccipital ridges. The skull proportions and the degree of suture closure made it possible to determine the individual age of the whales within a year. New finds significantly complement the data on the structure of the sutures of the lateral wall of the skull and age-related variability of cranial morphology in representatives of the genus Kurdalagonus.

Anatomical Study of the Pterion in a South African Population of KwaZulu-Natal / Estudio Anatómico del Pterion en una Población Audafricana de KwaZulu-Natal

SUMMARY: Morphologically the Pterion marks the location of the four cranial bones, viz. frontal bone, sphenoid angle of the parietal bone, squamous part of the temporal bone and the greater wing of the sphenoid bone. Population-specific differences exists in the position and union of the Pterion. The Pterion is also an important neurosurgical landmark for surgical procedures, viz. Pterional/lateral approach, as it provides wide access to the base of the skull. This study aimed to determine the position and incidence of the various sutural patterns of the Pterion in a South African population of KwaZulu-Natal. This retrospective study was conducted bilaterally on 36 dry human skulls (11 females and 25 males) obtained from the Department of Clinical Anatomy at University of KwaZulu-Natal. Ethical clearance obtained from the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee. The morphometric parameters of the Pterion were measured using a digital Vernier caliper, while the morphological characteristics were examined using Murphy's classification scheme to determine (if any) laterality or sex differences exists. The mean distance of the Centre of the pterion from midpoint of zygoma was 44.4+/-4.1 mm in males and 45.1+/-4.6 mm in females. While the distance from frontozygomatic suture was 32.7+/-4.7 mm and 32.6+/-4.8 mm in males and females, respectively. Sphenoparietal type of pterion was most prevalent at 55.6 %, followed by the frontotemporal, stellate and epipteric type with an incidence of 27.8 %; 11.1 % and 5.6 %, respectively. No statistically significant difference for sex or laterality were documented in this study. The present study concluded that the sphenoparietal type of sutural pattern was most prevalent with an incidence of 55.6 %. While the epipteric type was the least prevalent. The comprehensive data about the position of the Pterion is important to neurosurgeons, forensics scientists and anthropologists.

Morfológicamente, el pterion marca la ubicación de los cuatro huesos craneales: hueso frontal, ángulo esfenoidal del hueso parietal, parte escamosa del hueso temporal y el ala mayor del hueso esfenoides. Existen diferencias específicas de la población en la posición y unión del pterion. El pterion es también un hito neuroquirúrgico importante para los procedimientos quirúrgicos en el bordaje pterional/lateral, ya que proporciona un amplio acceso a la base del cráneo. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar la posición y la incidencia de los diversos patrones suturales del pterion en una población sudafricana de KwaZulu-Natal. Este estudio retrospectivo se realizó bilateralmente en 36 cráneos humanos secos (11 mujeres y 25 hombres) obtenidos del Departamento de Anatomía Clínica de la Universidad de KwaZulu-Natal. ALa autorización ética fue otorgada porel Comité Ético de Investigación Biomédica. Los parámetros morfométricos del pterion se midieron usando un calibrador Vernier digital, mientras que las características morfológicas se examinaron usando el esquema de clasificación de Murphy para determinar, si existe alguna lateralidad o diferencias sexuales. La distancia media del centro del pterion desde el punto medio del cigoma fue de 44,4+/- 4,1 mm en hombres y de 45,1+/-4,6 mm en mujeres. Mientras que la distancia desde la sutura frontocigomática fue de 32,7+/-4,7 mm y 32,6+/-4,8 mm en hombres y mujeres, respectivamente. El tipo de pterion esfenoparietal fue el más prevalente con un 55,6 %, seguido del tipo frontotemporal, estrellado y epiptérico con una incidencia del 27,8 %; 11,1 % y 5,6 %, respectivamente. En el estudio no se documentaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas para el sexo o la lateralidad. Concluimos que el tipo de patrón de sutura esfenoparietal fue el más prevalente con una incidencia del 55,6 %. Mientras que el tipo epiptérico fue el menos prevalente. Los datos completos sobre la posición del pterion son importantes para los neurocirujanos, los científicos forenses y los antropólogos.

Assessing the frequency and variability of accessory zygomatic sutures in dry skulls: clinical insights and potential implications.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the presence and incidence of accessory sutures and bipartite zygomatic bone types, and their effects on population affinity and clinical significance. METHODS: We examined 120 dry skulls and 50 zygomatic bones to evaluate the presence, frequency, and location of accessory zygomatic sutures as well as subtypes of bipartite zygomatic bones. Morphometric analysis included measuring the total width and length of the zygomatic bone with accessory sutures (ASs), the total length of the AS, and the shortest distance between the AS and various anatomical landmarks. RESULTS: Bipartite zygomatic bone was observed in 14 of 120 dry skulls (11.6%) and 1 of 50 zygomatic bones (2%), indicating an overall incidence of 16 occurrences (8.82%). The ASs were predominantly located posterolaterally in 11 cases (six males, five females), anteromedially in two cases (one male, one female), superiorly in one case (male), and superolaterally in one case (male). Significant differences were noted in the distribution of the ASs (p < 0.001). Notably, a vertical inferior bipartite zygomatic type, which has not been reported in the literature, was identified. Correlations were observed between the various anatomical landmarks. Among females, the length of AS was significantly different (p = 0.038). Significant differences were also noted in the shortest distance between the AS and the zygomaticofacial foramen (ZFF) based on the body side (p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that the bipartite zygomatic bone is not a common occurrence, indicating its significance as a morphological variation present in certain individuals. The type VII bipartite zygomatic bone exhibited the highest incidence rate, suggesting potential ethnic-specific differences in the prevalence of certain subtypes. The consistent pattern of suture distribution, along with the asymmetry and variability in suture patterns, emphasizes its potential clinical relevance.

Cranial sutures.

Cranial sutures are not of great concern to the modern neurosurgeon, except when abnormalities interfere with the skull's shape and its ability to expand during childhood. It is a commonplace that a craniotomy may cross a variety of sutures without providing any extra difficulty to the operator. The sagittal suture does remain useful as a definition of the midline of the cranium and as an indicator of the underlying sinus. Galen for reasons that are far from clear, "observed" relationships between the sutures, the meninges and the pericranium which led him to advise avoidance of any surgical proximity to the sutures. The result of this proscription was a severe limit of the access surgeons considered was appropriate and thus limited their ability to care for their patients.

Ultrasonic mapping of midpalatal suture - An ex-vivo study.

OBJECTIVE: Rapid maxillary expansion is a common orthodontic procedure to correct maxillary constriction. Assessing the midpalatal suture (MPS) expansion plays a crucial role in treatment planning to determine its effectiveness. The objectives of this preliminary investigation are to demonstrate a proof of concept that the palatal bone underlying the rugae can be clearly imaged by ultrasound (US) and the reconstructed axial view of the US image accurately maps the MPS patency. METHODS: An ex-vivo US scanning was conducted on the upper jawbones of two piglet's carcasses before and after the creation of bone defects, which simulated the suture opening. The planar images were processed to enhance bone intensity distribution before being orderly stacked to fuse into a volume. Graph-cut segmentation was applied to delineate the palatal bone to generate a bone volume. The accuracy of the reconstructed bone volume and the suture opening was validated by the micro-computed tomography (µCT) data used as the ground truth and compared with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data as the clinical standard. Also included in the comparison is the rugae thickness. Correlation and Bland-Altman plots were used to test the agreement between the two methods: US versus µCT/CBCT. RESULTS: The reconstruction of the US palatal bone volumes was accurate based on surface topography comparison with a mean error of 0.19 mm for pre-defect and 0.15 mm and 0.09 mm for post-defect models of the two samples, respectively when compared with µCT volumes. A strong correlation (R2 ≥ 0.99) in measuring MPS expansion was found between US and µCT/CBCT with MADs of less than 0.05 mm, 0.11 mm and 0.23 mm for US, µCT and CBCT, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: It was possible to axially image the MPS opening and rugae thickness accurately using high-frequency ultrasound. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study introduces an ionizing radiation-free, low-cost, and portable technique to accurately image a difficult part of oral cavity anatomy. The advantages of conceivable visualization could promise a successful clinical examination of MPS to support the predictable treatment outcome of maxillary transverse deficiency.

Fractality of Cranial Sutures.

It has long been known that skull suture has a typical fractal structure. Although the fractal dimension has been utilized to assess morphology, the mechanism of the fractal structure formation remains to be elucidated. Recent advances in the mathematical modeling of biological pattern formation provided useful frameworks for understanding this mechanism. This chapter describes how various proposed mechanisms tried to explain the formation of fractal structures in cranial sutures.

Pterion variation in the skulls of rhesus macaques from Cayo Santiago: Inheritance, development, and pathology.

The pterion is the sutural juncture of the frontal, parietal, sphenoidal, temporal, and zygomatic bones on the lateral aspect of the cranium. As a craniometric landmark, the pterion has a taxonomic valence, in addition to a common neurosurgical entry point in medicine. Variation in the articulation patterns at the pterion have been documented between primate species yet have a high degree of uniformity within species, suggesting a genetic control for this complex region of the skull. In this study, pterion pattern variation was investigated in 1627 Rhesus macaque crania of the Cayo Santiago colony. The colony's associated skeletal collections accompany known age, sex, and maternal lineages. Pterion pattern prevalence rates were tested against matrilines, as well as cranial shape, and cranial sutural fusion ages (including individuals with prematurely fused sutures). Five patterns were identified, the most prominent being the prevailing Old World Monkey frontotemporal (FT) articulation (83.4%). The relative frequency of those not exhibiting the FT pattern was found to vary considerably between matrilineal families (p = 0.037), ranging from 5.3% to 34.2%. Mothers with the non-FT pterion pattern were three times as likely to bear non-FT offspring. Cranial shape additionally varied with pterion type. Males exhibiting zygomaticotemporal (ZT) and sphenoparietal (SP) articulations possessed a relatively longer and narrower cranium than those with the default FT type (p = < 0.001). Cranial sutural fusion ages were not found to differ between pterion types, though all individuals with craniosynostosis (6; 0.38%) exhibited the FT type. The study provided strong evidence for a genetic source for pterion pattern as well as outlining a relatively novel relationship with cranial shape and sutural fusion ages. A unifying explanation may lie in those genes involved in both sutural and craniofacial development, or in the variation of brain growth processes channeling sutural articulation at the pterion. Both may be heritable and responsible for producing observed matrilineal differences in the pterion.

Are the Ethmoidal Foramina Through the Frontal Bone, Ethmoid Bone, or Frontoethmoidal Suture?

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the locations of the anterior, middle, and posterior ethmoidal foramina and their relationships to the frontoethmoidal suture. METHODS: One hundred twenty sides from sixty adult human skulls were used. Specimens with significant damage to the medial orbit wall were excluded. The number of ethmoidal foramina (anterior, middle, and posterior) on the medial orbital wall and the relationship of each foramen to the frontoethmoidal suture were recorded and classified as follows: Type I: superior to the frontoethmoidal suture; Type II: on the frontoethmoidal suture; Type III: inferior to the frontoethmoidal suture. RESULTS: Of the ninety-four sides, fourteen (14.9%) had one foramen, sixty-two (66.0%) had two , and eighteen (19.1%) had three. In total, 192 ethmoidal foramina were observed. Among the fourteen sides with one foramen, eight foramina were anterior and six were posterior. Among the 192 ethmoidal foramina, 162 were eligible for fur ther classification (74 anterior, 14 middle, and 74 posterior). Types I, II, and III ethmoidal foramina were found in 38.3% (62/162), 61.7% (100/162), and 0% (0/162), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our current study found a higher incidence of type I than previously reported. It is important to be aware of the significant incidence of foramen variations when the medial orbit wall is manipulated during surgery. Unless caution is observed, an inadvertent surgical injury can occur and lead to life-threatening complications. Therefore, a good understanding of orbital anatomy and its potential variations is critical for improving patient out comes.

Wormian Bones: Prevalence, Topography, and Implications.

BACKGROUND: Wormian bones also known as sutural bones are asymmetrical and shapeless bones occurring in cranial sutures and fontanelle of the skull. Their incidence is reported to vary in population. The exact etiology is debatable, but their formation is under the control of both genetic and environmental factors and has great anthropological and clinical implications related to the cranium. Due to high clinical relevance of Wormian bones, the study was carried out. The aim of the study is to expound the incidence and topography of Wormian bones along with clinical significance in dry adult skulls of Indian origin. METHODS: The study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy using 200 complete adult dry skulls of unknown age and sex. All the sutures in the skull were inspected for the presence of Wormian bones. The Wormian bones were classified into 10 categories, and associated implications were brought out. The Wormian bones were photographed, and details were compared with the available literature. RESULTS: The Wormian bones were observed in 190 (380 sides) skulls with 186 on the right side and 108 on the left side. The predominance site of sutural bone was lambdoid suture followed by sagittal suture. The least common site of Wormian bone was lambda. CONCLUSION: The detailed information of precise topography, frequency, and number of Wormian bones is of utmost use for surgeons performing surgery on the skull, anthropologists for identifying races, and forensic scientists for investigating child abuse cases.

Comparative digital reconstruction of Pica pica and Struthio camelus and their cranial suture ontogenies.

To date, several studies describe post-hatching ontogenetic variation in birds; however, none of these studies document and compare ontogenetic variation of the entire skull in multiple avian species. Therefore, we studied ontogenetic skull variation of two bird species with very different ecologies, Pica pica, and Struthio camelus, using µCT based 3D reconstructions. For each specimen, we performed bone-by-bone segmentation in order to visualize and describe the morphological variation of each bone during ontogeny and estimated the average sutural closure of the skulls to identify different ontogenetic stages. Although bone fusion of P. pica occurs more rapidly than that of S. camelus the general sequence of bone fusion follows a similar trend from posterior to anterior, but a more detailed analysis reveals some interspecific variation in the fusion patterns. Although growth persists over a longer period in S. camelus than in P. pica and adults of the former species are significantly larger, the skull of the most mature S. camelus is still less fused than that of P. pica. Different growth and fusion patterns of the two species indicate that the interspecific ontogenetic variation could be related to heterochronic developments. Nevertheless, this hypothesis needs to be tested in a broader phylogenetic framework in order to detect the evolutionary direction of the potential heterochronic transformations.

Analysis of the Asterion Morphology in Relation to Its Clinical Significance / Análisis de la Morfología del Asterion en Relación con su Importancia Clínica

SUMMARY: The asterion presents a significant anthropological marking and meeting point between three sutures. It is a surface landmark for the transverse-sigmoid venous sinus complex and is also a surgical landmark for access to the posterior cranial fossa, giving it clinical importance. The aim of this research was to analyze the shape of the asterion and to set the measurement methods that will determine distance between the asterion and surrounding features. The study sample, as a part of the Osteological collection of the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Novi Sad, consisted of 43 skulls. Morphometric analysis was related to the measurement of the defined parameters and descriptive analysis presented the classification of asterion in relation to the presence of sutural bones, as well as the determination of the position of the asterion according to the transverse-sigmoid venous complex. There was a statistically significant difference between male and female skulls for all the measured parameters. The results show that 34.88 % were type 1 (one or more sutural bones are present) and 65.12 % were type 2 asteria (no sutural bones are present). More frequent occurrence of asteria type 2 was seen on both, male and female skulls. The most frequent position of the asteria on both sides of the skull was in the transverse- sigmoid venous complex (76.92 % on the right side vs. 72.22 % on the left cranial side). Clinical significance of knowing the area of asterion is reflected in order to make the surgical, as well as diagnostic procedures, as successful as possible.

El asterion presenta una importante marca antropológica y punto de encuentro entre tres suturas. Es un punto de referencia de superficie para el complejo del seno venoso sigmoideo transverso y también es un punto de referencia quirúrgico para el acceso a la fosa craneal posterior, lo que le confiere importancia clínica. El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar la forma del asterión y establecer los métodos de medición que determinarán la distancia entre el asterión y las características circundantes. La muestra del estudio, que forma parte de la colección osteológica del Departamento de Anatomía de la Facultad de Medicina de Novi Sad, estuvo compuesta por 43 cráneos. El análisis morfométrico se relacionó con la medición de los parámetros definidos y el análisis descriptivo presentó la clasificación del asterion en relación a la presencia de huesos suturales, así como la determinación de la posición del asterion según el complejo venoso transverso-sigmoideo. Hubo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los cráneos masculinos y femeninos para todos los parámetros medidos. Los resultados muestran que el 34,88 % eran tipo 1 (hay uno o más huesos suturales presentes) y el 65,12 % eran asteria tipo 2 (no hay huesos suturales presentes). Se observó una aparición más frecuente de asteria tipo 2 en cráneos tanto masculinos como femeninos. La posición más frecuente de la asteria en ambos lados del cráneo fue en el complejo venoso sigmoideo transverso (76,92 % en el lado derecho vs. 72,22 % en el lado craneal izquierdo). La importancia clínica de conocer el área de asterion se refleja en que los procedimientos quirúrgicos y de diagnóstico tengan el mejor resultado posible.

Is Asterion a Reliable Surgical Landmark for the Transverse and Sigmoid Sinus Junction in Indian Skulls?

Background: Asterion is the junction of lambdoid, parietomastoid, and occipitomastoid sutures. In traditional anatomy teaching, it is believed that asterion sits over the transverse-sigmoid sinus junction (TSSJ). It is a significant surgical landmark for the placement of a burr hole in the retrosigmoid approach. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the asterion's accuracy as a TSSJ-specific external surgical landmark in the Indian population. Materials and Methods: 16 human dried skulls were obtained from the Department of Anatomy, AIIMS, New Delhi. The point of TSSJ was taken between the two lips and just posterior to the entry of the superior petrosal sinus. Asterion internally was localized with the help of a geometrical divider. The x- horizontal/ anterior and y- vertically superior (+)/ inferior (-) distances were measured from asterion (internally) to the TSSJ by a digital vernier caliper. Results: The mean horizontal distance (x) of the left side asterion & TSSJ was 10.3±1.0mm whereas the vertical distance (y) ranged between +2 to -4.3 mm. The mean horizontal distance (x) of the right side asterion & TSSJ was 13.5±1.4mm whereas the vertical distance (y) ranged between +3 to -4.2 mm. Conclusion: Asterion is not a reliable landmark for TSSJ in Indian skulls. The TSSJ with respect to asterion was found on average 10mm and 13.5mm anterior on the left and right side respectively, and mostly inferior (average 4.2mm) in 75% of the skulls. The TSSJ was closer to the asterion on the left side in comparison with the right side. However, further studies with a larger sample size will be needed to evaluate the population-specific relation of asterion with the TSSJ.

Osteological Study of the Parietal Foramen in the Adult Human Skull Bones and its Clinical and Surgical Correlations / Estudio Osteológico del Foramen Parietal en los Huesos del Cráneo Humano Adulto y sus Correlaciones Clínicas y Quirúrgicas

SUMMARY: Parietal emissary foramina (PEF) are small holes, which are localized between the middle and posterior thirds of the parietal bone posterior surface close to the sagittal suture. PEF are important structures that protect the parietal emissary vein, which passes through it. During neurosurgery procedures, parietal foramina (PF) knowledge is crucial. This work aimed to evaluate presence and location of the PF in the skull of an adult human. Moreover, measure the distance amidst PF and the sagittal suture's midline to ascertain its clinical repercussions. 74 adult human skulls, without gross pathology, were observed for the PF's existence. The PF's and sagittal suture's midline distance were measured. According to the PF patterns of presence, five groups were distributed. Finally, specimens were photographed and subjected to statistical analysis. The PF was absent in 7 skulls (9.5 %). There were 9 skulls (12.2 %) exhibited central parietal foramen where the parietal foramen lies on the sagittal suture. 17 skulls (23 %) showed right unilateral parietal foramen, whereas 15 skulls (20.3 %) demonstrated left unilateral parietal foramen. The final 26 skulls (35.1 %) exhibited bilateral parietal foramen. This descriptive study supplies valuable information of PF variations, which is crucial for neurosurgeons in modifying surgical techniques and procedures to alleviate injury to PF-emerging structures such as emissary veins.

Los forámenes emisarios parietales (FEP) son pequeños orificios que se localizan entre los tercios medio y posterior de la superficie posterior del hueso parietal, cerca de la sutura sagital. Los FEP son estructuras importantes que protegen la vena emisaria parietal, que lo atraviesa. Durante los procedimientos de neurocirugía, el conocimiento de los forámenes parietales (FP) es crucial. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar la presencia y ubicación del FP en el cráneo de hombres adultos, además, medir la distancia entre el FP y la línea mediana de la sutura sagital para conocer su repercusión clínica. Se examinaron 74 cráneos humanos adultos, sin patología grave, para determinar la existencia del FP. Se midió la distancia de la línea mediana de la sutura sagital y del FP. De acuerdo con los patrones de presencia del FP, se distribuyeron en cinco grupos. Finalmente, los especímenes fueron fotografiados y sometidos a análisis estadístico. El PF estaba ausente en 7 cráneos (9,5 %). Hubo 9 cráneos (12,2 %) que presentaban un PF central localizándose en la sutura sagital. 17 cráneos (23 %) presentaban un FP unilateral derecho, mientras que 15 cráneos (20,3 %) se observó un FP unilateral izquierdo. Los 26 cráneos restantes (35,1 %) exhibieron FP bilaterales. Este estudio descriptivo proporciona información valiosa sobre las variaciones del FP, que es fundamental para los neurocirujanos en el momento de modificar las técnicas y los procedimientos quirúrgicos para aliviar las lesiones de las estructuras emergentes del FP, como las venas emisarias.

Frequency Morphologic and Morphometric Properties and Osseous Relationships of Whitnall's Tubercle.

Whitnall tubercle (WT) of the zygomatic bone is used as an anatomical landmark in some surgical approaches to the orbit. The authors aimed to determine the localization of WT by using some palpable bony landmarks and to reveal its morphological and morphometric features. Three hundred twenty-two zygomatic bones (167 right and 155 left) belonging to adults of unknown sex, were examined. An acetate prepared by drawing a clock with a dial on it was used to determine the localization of WT according to marginal tubercle and zygomatic arch. Distances between WT and frontozygomatic suture and lateral margin of the orbital rim were measured with digital calipers. One zygomatic bone had double tubercles, thus 321 bones were taken into consideration. Whitnall tubercle was determined in 284 of 321 zygomatic bones. 181 were classified as small, 10 as medium, and 93 as large. The position of the WT according to the marginal tubercle was at the 8, 9, and 10 o'clock positions on the left, and at 2, 3, and 4 o'clock on the right. The position of the WT according to the zygomatic arch was at the 9,10 and 11 o'clock positions on the left, and at the 1 and 2 o'clock positions on the right. Distances between the WT and lateral margin of the orbital rim and the frontozygomatic suture were measured meanly as 1.94±0.31 mm and 8.17±5.82 mm, respectively. The authors believe that the data obtained regarding WT will contribute to anatomy and surgical procedures of the related region.

Age estimation by palatal suture using modified Kamijo's method.

The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between palatal suture obliteration and age in modern Japanese and to develop an age estimation equation by modifying Kamijo's (1949) method. The subjects were 195 Japanese skeletal remains (155 males and 40 females) whose age and sex were known. First, obliteration score (OS) was obtained by measuring palatal suture obliteration from photographic images taken at the time of forensic autopsy, and the correlation with age was examined; no significant correlation was found in females. Second, the palatal sutures were divided into 14 sections, and each section was scored from 0 to 4 points according to the degree of the suture obliteration. Suture scores (SS) were then calculated for each of the four sutures, and the sum of the 14 scores (TSS: total suture score) was used to perform regression analysis for age. For male and all subjects (male and female), age significantly increased (p < 0.001) according to increment of SSs for all sutures. TSS has the highest regression coefficient (r = 0.540), and the lowest standard error of estimation (13.54 years) for all of the patients. The intra- and inter-observer agreement scoring showed high reliability. Validation study using the formulae showed a high percentage of correct responses (80 %). In conclusion, age estimation regression formula by palatal suture using modified Kamijo's method was established for Japanese population, and the study showed the formula might be valid for age estimation.

Anatomical study of a human skull with multiple osteomas in a seventeenth-century Dutch still-life painting: bone morphology and artistic intention.

Skulls were frequently depicted in seventeenth-century Dutch still-life paintings. Skulls were interpreted as symbols of vanitas-meaning the evanescence of life-but their morphological features have received little attention. This study analyzed a skull with abnormal tumors in a seventeenth-century Dutch still-life painting by a renowned artist, Edwaert Collier (ca. 1642-1708), from anatomical, forensic, and pathological perspectives. The morphology of the cranium and teeth indicated that the skull likely belonged to a middle-aged female. We carefully diagnosed the abnormal masses as multiple osteomas on the skull and left femur, based on clinical studies and paleopathological literature, which reported lesions with a similar appearance to those observed in Collier's work. Furthermore, detailed observations of the cranial sutures and epiphyses of the long bones in his paintings revealed that the artist may have selected bones with a morphology that was suitable for the subject of vanitas. Collier repeatedly depicted the skull with metopism, the rare condition of having a persistent metopic suture in adulthood. A skull with a metopic suture is called Kreuzschädel, meaning the cross skull, because it forms a cruciform by connecting with the sagittal and coronal sutures. The artist might have chosen skulls with metopic sutures, which is reminiscent of the crucifixion of Christ, as an appropriate motif for the vanitas painting. This paper argues that anatomical analysis could explain the hidden meaning of the painting and disclose the fascinating collaborations between anatomy and art in the seventeenth-century Dutch Republic.

Morphometric and morphological evaluation of temporozygomatic suture anatomy in dry adult human skulls.

This study aims to evaluate the position, morphometric, and morphological features of the temporozygomatic suture (TZS) located on the zygomatic arch (ZA) in dry adult human skulls. Thirty-two crania were evaluated. Measurements for the TZS were carried out using the ImageJ software. Morphometric measurements were carried out bilaterally in 23 crania and unilaterally in 9 crania (right: 4, left: 5). A total of 55 TZSs were analyzed. Localization of the TZS was determined according to the reference landmarks on the ZA. Morphologic features of the TZS evaluated in terms of "joint shape type" and "suture margin pattern". Descriptive statistics of the morphometric and morphologic variables were calculated. A statistically significant difference between the right and left sides was observed for the localization of the TZS (p < 0.05). TZS is located more anteriorly on the left side than the right side. Based on the "joint shape type", four types of TZS were observed: Type 1 (angular) (34.55%), Type 2 (curvy) (34.55%), Type 3 (oblique) (14.55%), Type 4 (horizontal) (16.36%). Based on the "suture margin pattern", five types of TZS were observed: Type A (linear) (12.73%), Type B (denticulate) (34.55%), Type C (serrated) (23.64%), Type D (mixt) (21.82%), Type E (fused) (7.27%). No significant association between the type and lateralization was found for both morphologic classifications. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first published report regarding the localization and morphologic classification of the TZS in adult human crania. Considering the TZS with its morphometric and morphological features may contribute to clinical or forensic medical evaluations.

Anatomical characteristics and significance of the metopism and Wormian bones in dry adult-Chinese skulls.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the incidence, topographical distribution, morphology, and interrelationship of the metopism and Wormian bones (WBs) in dry adult-Chinese skulls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 285 dried adult-Chinese skull specimens from the Department of Anatomy at the Southern Medical University were examined. The incidence of different types of metopism and WBs were recorded. The length of the metopic suture was measured using a flexible ruler. Additionally, the lengths and widths of the WBs were measured using a vernier calliper. RESULTS: The incidence of metopism and WBs in Chinese adults were estimated at 10.18% (29/285) and 63.86% (182/285), respectively. The metopism always accompanied WBs (26/29, 89.66%), but the WBs did not necessarily accompany metopism (26/182, 14.29%). The locations of the WBs in the order of decreasing incidence were the lambdoid suture (78.57%, 143/182), pterion (34.62%, 63/182), asterion (12.09%, 22/182), lambda (8.24%, 15/182), sagittal suture (4.95%, 9/182), and Inca bone (3.85%, 7/182). These locations differed in topographical distribution and morphological patterns. CONCLUSIONS: Chinese adults differ in incidence of metopism and WBs from adults of other races, indicating racial differences. The characteristics of WBs vary depending on the cranial site of occurrence. The metopism always accompanies WBs, but the WBs do not necessarily accompany metopism.

Estimating the Person-Specific Location of Pterion Based on Cranial Morphometry.

OBJECTIVE: Due to being the weakest sutural junction of the crania and relations with intracranial anatomical structures, the accurate location of the pterion is important for surgical approaches such as in pterional craniotomy. The aim of the study was to develop regression equations to estimate the person-specific accurate location of the pterion based on the cranial morphometry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 22 pterions located 11 dry skulls belonging to Anatomy Department of the Harran University, Medical Faculty. Twelve parameters related to pterion and 23 parameters related to the skull was measured using ImageJ software. SPSS 20.0 was performed for statistical analyses such as descriptive and comparative statistics and developing regression equations. RESULTS: Statistically significant difference wasn't observed between right and left sides. The 12 equations, such as P8:distance between pterion and the tip of the mastoid process= 63,780 + (1,366 × K6) - (2,786 × K7) + (1,342 × K11) - (1,029 × K13) + (2,102 × K14) - (1,710 × K15) - (0,517 × 22) Adjusted R2= 0.995 and Standard Errors = 1.221 were developed to estimate the accurate location of the pterion based on the cranial morphometry. CONCLUSIONS: In the previous studies, the mean distances of the pterion to certain landmarks on the crania were given. The authors developed formulas in order to estimate the accurate person-specific location of the pterion. The authors are convinced that the equations they have developed will help neurosurgeons in terms of surgical approaches.

Cranial morphology in metopism: A comparative geometric morphometric study.

BACKGROUND: Cranial sutures are active bone growth sites and any alteration in their normal formation, patency and closure influences the overall cranial morphology. This comparative study aims to establish whether the cranial shape and size are significantly modified when metopic suture persists into adulthood using geometric morphometric analyses. METHODS: The sample consisted of 63 metopic and 184 non-metopic dry adult male crania. Three-dimensional polygonal models of the crania were generated using a hand-held laser scanner Creaform VIUscan. A total of 50 landmarks were digitized on the three-dimensional models and eight landmark configurations delineating the cranium and its compartments were constructed and analyzed. Geometric morphometric analyses were applied to investigate separately the size and shape differences between the metopic and non-metopic series in each of the landmark configurations. RESULTS: Significant size differences were established solely in the neurocranium, but not in its total size, rather in its parts. The size modification was expressed by an enlargement of the anterior part of the neurocranium at the expense of the middle and posterior ones. All investigated landmark sets differed significantly between the series regarding the shape. In metopic series, the shape alteration was mainly in a mediolateral widening and an anteroposterior shortening contributing to a more rounded overall shape of the cranium. CONCLUSIONS: The slight modification of the cranial morphology in metopism suggests that the metopic suture persistence is not an isolated variation limited to the frontal bone. It is rather a complex condition associated with a combination of specific phenotypic characteristics.