The term "longitudinal arc of the skull" refers to the curved line across the top of the human skull, running from the forehead to the back of the head. In IPA phonetic transcription, this word can be spelled as /lɒn.dʒɪˈtjuː.dɪ.nəl ɑːk əv ðə skʌl/. The first syllable is pronounced as ‘lon’, followed by ‘jih-too-dih-nal’. The final part 'arc of the skull' sounds the same in both written and phonetic transcription. This anatomical terminology is commonly used in medical and scientific fields.
The longitudinal arc of the skull is a significant anatomical feature that refers to the curved line or arc formed by the superior border of the cranium. It is an imaginary line that runs longitudinally along the skull from the frontal bone above the orbit (eye socket), up and over the top of the head, and down to the occipital bone at the back of the skull. This arc essentially separates the superior surface of the skull from the lateral and inferior surfaces.
The longitudinal arc is an important landmark used in medical and anthropological studies, as it helps determine various cranial measurements and features. It is utilized in determining cranial capacity, the measurement of skull size, and in analyzing the overall shape and morphology of the skull.
In addition, the longitudinal arc of the skull is also used as a reference point for conducting craniometric analysis and assessing differences in various populations or individuals. It provides a standardized reference for comparing skull shapes and sizes across different individuals or groups and aids in the classification and identification of human remains.
Overall, the longitudinal arc of the skull is a crucial anatomical feature used in the field of anthropology, forensic medicine, and human anatomy, providing a prominent landmark for cranial measurements, studies, and analyses.
The line carried over the skull from the nasion to the opisthion.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.