sagittal crest
Quick Summary
A sagittal crest is a bony ridge that runs along the midline of the top of the skull. It is formed by the upward extension of the parietal bones. This anatomical feature is found in some primates, such as gorillas and baboons, and was also present in certain early hominids like Paranthropus.1
The sagittal crest serves as an attachment site for powerful chewing muscles, which are particularly well-developed in species with strong jaws. In humans, the parietal bones meet at the sagittal suture, forming the roof of the cranium, but a sagittal crest is not typically present.21
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