Development of the Skull

In short, both regions of the skull come from different processes

1. Neurocranium is derived from
   1.  Chondrocranium (i.e. the cartilaginous neurocranium)
      • This is the aspect of the skull which covers the brain
      • Cartilage model develops into bone via endochondral ossification
   2. Membranous neurocranium
      • Develops from mesenchyme via intramembranous ossification
2. Viscerocranium
   • Develops from mesenchyme via intramembranous ossification (like the membranous neurocranium)
     • The tissue comes from the facial prominences from the 1st and 2nd pharyngeal arches 

Baby Skulls

• At birth, babies have the following features:
  • Large neurocranium
  • Small viscerocranium
  • Large orbits
  • Shallow mandible
  • Toothless
  • Angular prominences at the parietal and frontal bones

• Fontanelles and sutures are another key feature of baby skulls:
  • Anterior
  • Posterior
  • Sphenoidal (anterolateral)
  • Temporal (posterolateral)
  • 

    

• These features allow for:
  1. Safe birth
  2. Growth of soft tissue within the cranium (e.g. brain, facial tissues)