[Still-unknown determinants of the cranial shape]

Area of Science:

• Anthropology
• Human Evolution
• Paleoanthropology

Background:

• The shape of the human neurocranium has been a long-standing area of anthropological interest.
• A notable trend observed is brachycephalization, a shift towards shorter cranial shapes from medieval times to the present.
• The underlying causes and functional significance of these cranial shape changes remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current statistical investigations into the causes and mechanisms of neurocranial shape formation.
• To explore the functional implications of observed changes in human skull morphology.
• To synthesize existing research on brachycephalization and its contributing factors.

Main Methods:

• Review of major statistical investigations and anthropological studies on cranial shape.
• Analysis of correlations between cranial morphology and internal anatomical structures.
• Examination of associations between cranial shape and external environmental factors.

Main Results:

• Neurocranial shape is correlated with the muscles of mastication and jaws.
• Cranial morphology also shows associations with internal body structures like vertebrae, ribs, and pelvis.
• Environmental factors, including temperature and societal wealth, appear to influence cranial shape.

Conclusions:

• The evolution of human cranial shape is multifactorial, influenced by both internal anatomical systems and external environmental pressures.
• Future research should integrate the study of human skeletal remains with paleoenvironmental data to fully elucidate cranial formation mechanisms.
• Further investigation is needed to fully understand the functional significance of brachycephalization.