Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2025

Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
Assessing the frequency and variability of accessory zygomatic sutures in dry skulls: clinical insights and potential
Eren Ogut1, Fatos Belgin Yildirim2, Ozge Guzelad2
1Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Türkiye. erenogut@yahoo.com.tr.
Purpose:
This study aimed to determine the presence and incidence of accessory sutures and bipartite zygomatic bone types, and their effects on population affinity and clinical significance.
Methods:
We examined 120 dry skulls and 50 zygomatic bones to evaluate the presence, frequency, and location of accessory zygomatic sutures as well as subtypes of bipartite zygomatic bones. Morphometric analysis included measuring the total width and length of the zygomatic bone with accessory sutures (ASs), the total length of the AS, and the shortest distance between the AS and various anatomical landmarks.
Results:
Bipartite zygomatic bone was observed in 14 of 120 dry skulls (11.6%) and 1 of 50 zygomatic bones (2%), indicating an overall incidence of 16 occurrences (8.82%). The ASs were predominantly located posterolaterally in 11 cases (six males, five females), anteromedially in two cases (one male, one female), superiorly in one case (male), and superolaterally in one case (male). Significant differences were noted in the distribution of the ASs (p < 0.001). Notably, a vertical inferior bipartite zygomatic type, which has not been reported in the literature, was identified. Correlations were observed between the various anatomical landmarks. Among females, the length of AS was significantly different (p = 0.038). Significant differences were also noted in the shortest distance between the AS and the zygomaticofacial foramen (ZFF) based on the body side (p = 0.034).
Conclusions:
Our study suggests that the bipartite zygomatic bone is not a common occurrence, indicating its significance as a morphological variation present in certain individuals. The type VII bipartite zygomatic bone exhibited the highest incidence rate, suggesting potential ethnic-specific differences in the prevalence of certain subtypes. The consistent pattern of suture distribution, along with the asymmetry and variability in suture patterns, emphasizes its potential clinical relevance.
More Related Videos
07:09In situ Compressive Loading and Correlative Noninvasive Imaging of the Bone-periodontal Ligament-tooth Fibrous Joint
Published on: March 7, 2014
05:54Real-Time Dynamic Navigation System for the Precise Quad-Zygomatic Implant Placement in a Patient with a Severely Atrophic Maxilla
Published on: October 18, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Sutures of the Skull
Sutures are immobile joints between adjacent bones of the skull. The narrow gap between the bones is filled with dense, fibrous connective tissue that unites the bones. The long sutures located between the skull bones are not straight but instead follow irregular, tightly twisting paths. These twisting lines tightly...
Cranial Bones: Lateral View
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
Overview of the Skull
The cranial vault surrounds and protects the brain and houses the middle and inner ear structures. This cavity is bounded superiorly by the rounded top of the skull, which...
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...