New Insights Into Cranial Base Ontogeny in Modern Humans Through Morphometric Analysis

Abstract

Objectives

The cranial base is located at the interface between the face, the brain, and the vertebral column. Understanding its growth is essential for elucidating key aspects of craniofacial development, neurodevelopment, and locomotor function. This study aims to examine the developmental trajectories of the three cranial fossae, anterior, middle, and posterior, in terms of both size and shape.

Materials and Methods

203 CT scans of individuals aged from birth to 15 years were segmented and analyzed. Traditional morphometric analyses based on linear measurements were first conducted to assess changes in length and width during growth. Geometric morphometric methods were applied to investigate shape variation, using a template of 32 anatomical landmarks and two curves of semi-landmarks.

Results

Growth of the cranial base followed a rapid phase from 0 to 2 years and a slower growth until adolescence. Transverse dimensions generally reach adult proportions earlier than anteroposterior lengths. The posterior fossae exhibit pronounced anteroposterior and transverse expansion. Shape analyses reveal coordinated changes of fossae boundaries, including reorientation of the petrous temporal bones and increased curvature of the sphenoid wings. Strong allometric relationships and morphological integration are observed during the initial rapid growth phase. Sexual dimorphism has a statistically significant but moderate effect on cranial base fossae shape during ontogeny.

Discussion

The cranial base exhibits biphasic growth, early-integrated shape changes, and later modularization, reflecting coordinated cranial and brain development. These patterns provide a reference for comparative studies in primates and highlight the importance of cranial base development for neurocranial and facial morphogenesis.