BIPARIETAL SUTURE Meaning and
Definition
-
The biparietal suture is a term commonly used in anatomical and medical contexts. It refers to the junction or line of union between the two parietal bones of the human skull. The parietal bones are flat and roughly rectangular-shaped bones that form the majority of the skull's roof and sides. They are located on either side of the top of the head, extending from the forehead to the back of the skull.
The biparietal suture runs horizontally across the skull, connecting the two parietal bones together. It is one of the major sutures of the skull, along with the sagittal suture (which runs from front to back) and the coronal sutures (which run from side to side connecting the parietal bones to the frontal bone).
During infancy and early childhood, the biparietal suture is not completely ossified, allowing for growth and expansion of the skull as the brain develops. As an individual reaches adulthood, the bones fuse together, resulting in a non-movable joint. The presence, fusion, and shape of the biparietal suture are commonly studied in anthropology and forensic medicine, as they can provide insight into age, sex, and ancestry.
Overall, the biparietal suture is a crucial anatomical feature that defines the boundaries of the parietal bones and plays a significant role in the development and structural integrity of the human skull.
Etymology of BIPARIETAL SUTURE
The word "Biparietal" is derived from the Latin words "bi-" meaning "two" and "parietalis" meaning "of the walls", specifically referring to the parietal bones of the skull. The term "Suture" comes from the Latin word "sutura" which means "seam" or "suture", in reference to the fibrous joint between the two parietal bones in the skull. Therefore, "Biparietal Suture" is a medical term used to describe the joint between the two parietal bones in the human skull.
