Sagittal crest

Sagittal Crest

The Sagittal Crest is a bony ridge located on the top of the skull in many mammalian species. It serves as an attachment site for the temporalis muscle, one of the major jaw muscles, which allows for a stronger bite force.

File:Sagittal Crest.jpg

Sagittal Crest on a Gorilla Skull

Anatomy

The sagittal crest forms at the junction of the two parietal bones and the frontal bone. Its size and prominence vary among species and individuals, and it is more commonly found in adult males. The crest starts to develop when the jaw muscles increase in size and require a larger attachment area.

Function

The primary function of the sagittal crest is to provide an attachment site for the temporalis muscle. This muscle is responsible for closing the jaw and is one of the most powerful muscles in the mammalian body. The larger the sagittal crest, the larger the temporalis muscle, and the stronger the bite force.

Species with Sagittal Crests

Many mammalian species have sagittal crests, including some primates like gorillas and orangutans, and carnivores like lions and tigers. In humans, the sagittal crest is generally absent, but it can be present in cases of extreme muscle development or certain medical conditions.

See Also

• Skull
• Temporalis muscle
• Parietal bone
• Frontal bone

References

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