The role of function in the development of human craniofacial form--a perspective

As an anatomical region the head combines great diversity of function with close integration of structure. Consequently no structural component has autonomy of form. There is a sequence of maturation of functions and their related structural components, and in this sequence the nervous system and its supportive structures mature first. The nasal airway matures next in response to increasing body mass, and the masticatory system constitutes the last major functional system to reach maturity. The later the maturation of the function, the greater is the requirement for its related morphology to adapt to preceding skeletal templates. These matters of developmental sequence, and extrinsic as well as intrinsic craniofacial functions, are paramount considerations in interpreting the form of any component of head anatomy.