[Variations as a function of time of the ossification of various bony elements of the cranial vault (experimental...

Experimentally studied in the Mouse, ectocranial modeling bone processes are linked with stages of neuro-physiological development. More particularly, the weaning period is correlated with a complete change of periosteal growth processes in the cranial vault. This study details the different growth processes that model each bony unit of the cranial vault during the two distinct phases of post-natal development (before and after the weaning). Before the weaning, fast cerebral expansion involves generalised growth processes on the whole cranial vault area. A common pattern of growth is shared by several bones (or parts of bones), each bone showing particularities of growth rythm. The interparietal bone, the supraoccipital bone, and the anterior part of non-orbital frontal bone are excluded of that anatomical set of the cranial vault". After the weaning, bone modeling is dependent to muscular strengths. Local processes become more pronounced than generalised growth processes. Sutural and synchondral differential growth are playing a leading part in the craniofacial morphogenesis.