Anatomic variations in the frontal and occipital bones: a comparative study of neurocranial morphology

Developmental variations in the cranial vault arise during early ontogenesis due to premature or delayed suture closure, non-union between normal ossification centers, and emergence of additional centers. These cause abnormal calvarial partition are often associated with modifications overall configuration. This study aims evaluate impact metopic persistence development supernumerary bones occipital region on neurocranial morphology. A series 245 crania Bulgarian males was investigated. According presence absence developmental frontal bone they were divided into four series: control (n = 115); a retained 32); 67); 31). Polygonal 3D models generated, which coordinates 35 landmarks describing neurocranium collected. Geometric morphometric analyses applied compare size shape landmark configurations. Significant differences observed only configurations non-metopic crania. found all comparisons groups for configurations, except one. Metopism has significant morphology, is intensified by region.