How many types of sutures are present on the fetal skull?

The fetal skull contains four primary types of sutures, which are crucial for understanding cranial anatomy and development. These sutures include:

1. Coronal suture: Located at the front of the skull, this suture connects the frontal bone with the parietal bones on each side.

2. Sagittal suture: This runs along the midline of the skull, joining the two parietal bones from the front to the back of the head.

3. Lambdoid suture: Positioned at the back of the skull, the lambdoid suture connects the parietal bones to the occipital bone.

4. Metopic suture: Present in infants and found along the midline of the forehead, this suture divides the frontal bone into two halves. It typically fuses around 2 years of age.

Understanding these sutures is essential as they allow for the flexibility of the skull during delivery and also enable the skull to grow as the brain expands. The presence of four main sutures is crucial for identifying the normal anatomy of the fetal skull and assessing any potential complications during childbirth or development.