EXTRINSIC DETERMINATION OF SUTURAL AREA MORPHOLOGY IN THE RAT CALVARIA

Abstract

The role of extrinsic forces in the determination of rodent calvarial sutural area interdigitation and bevelling was experimentally established. Myelectomy and surgical isolation of sutural areas in the neo-natal rat was followed by a lack of development of these two morphological features. No appreciable change followed similar procedures in the adult rat. The activity of cranial muscles as a major extrinsic factor was thus established. The role of spatial growth changes between the neural and facial skull was also strongly suggested.