Like a hole in the head: Development, evolutionary implications and diseases of the cranial foramina

McGonnell, I M; Akbareian, S E

Abstract

Cranial foramina are holes in the skull through which nerves and blood vessels pass to reach both deep and superficial tissues. They are often overlooked in the literature; however they are complex structures that form within the developing cranial bones during embryogenesis and then remain open throughout life, despite the bone surrounding them undergoing constant remodelling. They are invaluable in assigning phylogeny in the fossil record and their size has been used, by some, to imply function of the nerve and/or blood vessel that they contained. Despite this, there are very few studies investigating the development or normal function of the cranial foramina. In this review, we will discuss the development of the cranial foramina and their subsequent maintenance, highlighting key gaps in the knowledge. We consider whether functional interpretations can be made from fossil material given a lack of knowledge regarding their contents and maintenance. Finally, we examine the significant role of malformation of foramina in congenital diseases such as craniosynostosis.

Citation

McGonnell, I. M., & Akbareian, S. E. (2018). Like a hole in the head: Development, evolutionary implications and diseases of the cranial foramina. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.08.011

• Journal Article Type: Review
• Acceptance Date: Aug 27, 2018
• Publication Date: Oct 30, 2018
• Deposit Date: Nov 30, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 31, 2019
• Journal: SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.08.011
• Public URL: https://rvc-repository.worktribe.com/output/1385387