Comparative Analysis of Cranial Suture Morphology in Adults and Adolescents

Thesis Abstract

Cranial suture morphology exhibits dynamic changes throughout human development, yet comprehensive comparative analyses between adolescents and adults remain limited, which constrains understanding of age-related morphological variations essential for forensic, anthropological, and clinical applications. This study aims to systematically compare cranial suture morphology in adolescents and adults to elucidate age-related morphological transformations and establish identifiable features pertinent to age estimation and population studies. The specific objectives are to (1) characterize and quantify morphological features of major cranial sutures in adolescents aged 12–19 years and adults aged 30–60 years; (2) assess the differences in suture complexity, obliteration patterns, and fusion stages between the two groups; and (3) evaluate the correlation between suture morphology and chronological age, accounting for sex and population variance. The study adopts a cross-sectional design, grounded in a positivist paradigm, to facilitate objective comparison and statistical analysis of morphological data. The study population comprises 220 dry human skulls sourced from certified museum collections and anatomical repositories, with equal representation of males and females within each age group (n=110 per group). The sampling employs stratified random sampling to ensure balanced demographic representation. Data collection involves high-resolution micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging to capture detailed cranial suture features, supplemented by morphological assessment through standardized scoring systems based on osteological criteria. Morphological parameters include sutural complexity (measured by fractal analysis), degrees of obliteration, and stages of fusion classified according to established staging protocols. To ensure instrument validity and reliability, intra- and inter-observer reproducibility are assessed via Cohen’s kappa and intraclass correlation coefficients. Data analysis employs descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple regression analyses to compare morphological features between groups and to model the relationship between suture features and age. A multivariate analytical framework incorporates principal component analysis (PCA) to identify key morphological markers, while a theoretical foundation is informed by the functional matrix theory and the sutural growth model, which posit that mechanical forces and genetic regulation influence sutural development. Expected findings include significant differences in suture complexity, degree of obliteration, and fusion stages between adolescents and adults, with adolescents exhibiting higher sutural complexity and less obliteration, consistent with ongoing growth processes, whereas adults demonstrate increased fusion and simplification. The study is anticipated to reveal statistically significant correlations between specific morphological markers and age, supporting their application in forensic age estimation. This research contributes novel quantitative data on cranial suture variations across age groups, filling existing gaps in anthropological and forensic literature. It provides a robust framework for utilizing micro-CT derived morphological features as reliable indicators of biological age, with potential applications in forensic identification, archaeological dating, and craniofacial surgical planning. The main conclusion emphasizes age-related morphological trajectories among cranial sutures and advocates for standardized, quantitative morphological criteria in age assessment protocols. Recommendations include further longitudinal studies, integration with molecular aging techniques, and expansion to diverse populations to enhance the generalizability of results.