How Do You Spell SAGITTAL SUTURE?

1. The sagittal suture is a term used in anatomy to describe a specific type of joint found in the human skull. It refers to the immovable articulation between the two parietal bones of the cranium. Specifically, the sagittal suture runs along the midline of the skull, dividing it into left and right halves.

   The word "sagittal" is derived from the Latin word "sagitta," which means "arrow," and refers to the arrow-like shape that the suture creates when viewed from above. The sagittal suture is classified as a fibrous joint or synarthrosis, meaning it lacks a joint cavity and is held together by fibrous connective tissue.

   During early childhood, the sagittal suture is flexible, allowing the bones to accommodate for rapid brain growth. However, as individuals approach adulthood, the suture gradually fuses and becomes immovable, resulting in a closed structure.

   The importance of the sagittal suture lies in its role in maintaining the structural integrity of the cranium, protecting the brain from external trauma. It also contributes to the overall appearance of the skull, as it forms a prominent ridge along the top of the head.

   In medical and anatomical contexts, understanding the sagittal suture is critical for various diagnostic procedures, such as evaluating skull fractures or abnormal skull growth patterns. Disorders or abnormalities related to the sagittal suture can lead to conditions like sagittal craniosynostosis, where the suture fuses prematurely, causing abnormal skull shape and potentially impacting brain development.

2. The interparietal suture.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. In anat., the suture which unites the parietal bones of the skull.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for SAGITTAL SUTURE

The word "sagittal" comes from the Latin word "sagitta", which means "arrow". It is derived from the shape of an arrow, which is slender and pointed. The term "sagittal" is used to describe something that is in the direction of the sagittal plane, which is an imaginary plane that divides the body into left and right halves.

"Suture" comes from the Latin word "sutura", which means "a seam". In anatomy, a suture refers to a line of junction or connection between bones, primarily in the skull. It resembles a seam or a stitching line, hence the term "suture".

Therefore, the term "sagittal suture" refers to the line of junction between the two parietal bones of the skull, which extends from the frontal bone to the occipital bone.