[Morphogenesis of the cranial base]

The literature on normal morphogenesis and growth of the human cranial base was reviewed. The development of the cranial base was considered in three overlapping phases: membranous, cartilaginous and osseous. Special interest was focused on the osseous phase. The role of the synchondroses, sutures and bone remodelling in normal development was analysed. The cranial base was described as a buffer structure and as a template for the final form of the face.