Assessment Of The Role Of Sutures In A Lizard Skull- A Computer Modelling Study

Main Category: Veterinary
Also Included In: Biology / Biochemistry
Article Date: 03 Sep 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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Sutures form an integral part of the functioning skull, but their role has long been debated among vertebrate morphologists and palaeontologists.

Furthermore, the relationship between typical skull sutures, and those involved in cranial kinesis, is poorly understood. In a series of computational modelling studies, complex loading conditions obtained through multibody dynamics analysis were imposed on a finite element model of the skull of Uromastyx hardwickii, an akinetic herbivorous lizard.

This detailed investigation also revealed that the frontal-parietal suture of the Uromastyx skull played a substantial role in relieving strain compared with the other sutures.

This raises questions about the original role of mesokinesis in squamate evolution.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

Proceedings B is the Royal Society's flagship biological research journal, dedicated to the rapid publication and broad dissemination of high-quality research papers, reviews and comment and reply papers. The scope of journal is diverse and is especially strong in organismal biology.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences