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Unveiling the Enigma: A Comprehensive Morphological Study of Metopic Suture in Adult Human Skulls (An Observational
Kulbir Kaur1, Neelam Bala1, Vandana Sidhu2
1Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, Amritsar, Punjab, India.
Background:
The metopic suture, a cranial feature between the two halves of the frontal bone, normally fuses during early childhood. However, in some individuals, it persists into adulthood, known as metopism. Knowledge of this variant is important in clinical radiology, neurosurgery, anthropology, and forensic science.
Objective:
To determine the incidence, morphological types, and anatomical characteristics of the metopic suture in adult human skulls.
Materials And Methods:
Fifty dry human skulls were studied in the Department of Anatomy, GMC Amritsar, to assess the presence, type (complete or incomplete), and morphological pattern (linear, V-shaped, and bifurcated) of the metopic suture.
Results:
A total of 6 skulls (12%) showed the presence of the metopic suture. Among them, 5 were complete and 1 was incomplete. Linear sutures were the most common morphological pattern.
Conclusion:
Although not frequently observed, the persistent metopic suture has clinical, forensic, and anthropological relevance. Awareness of its morphology and frequency is essential for differential diagnosis and proper interpretation of radiological findings.
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