What are the indentations in my skull?

Sutures

The indentations in your skull are called sutures. Sutures are the immovable joints between the bones of the skull. They allow the skull to grow and develop and provide protection for the brain. Sutures are also responsible for the unique shape of each individual's skull.

There are several different types of sutures in the skull. The most common type is the coronal suture, which runs down the middle of the skull from the forehead to the back of the head. Other types of sutures include the sagittal suture, which runs from the front to the back of the skull along the midline, and the lambdoid suture, which runs from the back of the head to the sides.

Sutures are formed by the interlocking edges of the skull bones. The edges of the bones are beveled, so that they fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. The beveled edges of the bones are held together by a dense layer of connective tissue called the sutural ligament.

Sutures start to form in the fetus and continue to develop until the early twenties. The sutures in the skull typically close completely by the age of 25. However, in some cases, the sutures may remain open for a longer period of time. This is called craniosynostosis, and it can be associated with various health problems.

Sutures are an important part of the skull. They provide protection for the brain, allow the skull to grow and develop, and contribute to the unique shape of each individual's skull.