Skull phylogeny: an investigation using radiography and high-resolution computed tomography.

To demonstrate the phylogenetic changes that have led to the current form of the human skull, dried skulls of various representative vertebrates were examined using plain radiography and high-resolution computed tomography. The latter was chosen rather than pluridirectional tomography in anticipation of its future role as the major method for imaging the skull base. The phylogenetic history of the human skull is reviewed by considering separately the evolution of the calvarium, zygomatic arch, palate, jaw, and skull base.