In craniosynostosis, the bones of the skull fuse together at the sutures prematurely, causing the brain to grow abnormally. Why would this cause abnormal brain growth?
A)The sutures are amphiarthrotic and slightly move during brain growth, so the plates of the skull can easily move to suit any direction of brain growth. Fusion at the sutures will prevent this free movement.
B)Because the sutures contain ligaments, blows to the skull can be absorbed by plate movement. Removal of the sutures will cause any slight blow to damage the brain.
C)The sutures are synarthrotic and do not move, only allowing expansion from within as the brain grows to fill the brain case. Fusion at the sutures will prevent this expansion.
D)Sutures are large gaps between bones that are filled with synovial fluid. This synovial fluid allows for the brain to expand into the spaces. Ossification of the sutures would prevent the expansion of the brain.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sutures in the skull are not completely rigid and allow for some movement to accommodate brain growth. When these sutures fuse prematurely in craniosynostosis, it restricts the natural expansion of the growing brain, leading to abnormal growth patterns.

In Craniosynostosis, the Bones of the Skull Fuse Together at the Sutures