õmblusliiges

Õmblusliiges, also known as a suture or stitch, refers to the joint formed by the union of two or more bones, most commonly found in the skull. These are synarthroses, meaning they are immovable joints, characterized by a layer of dense fibrous connective tissue that firmly connects the bones. The edges of the bones involved in a suture are often serrated or irregular, interlocking like puzzle pieces, which enhances the stability of the joint.

The primary function of õmblusliiges is to provide a strong and stable connection between the cranial bones, protecting the brain. In infants, the cranial bones are not yet fully fused, allowing for some flexibility and growth of the skull, which is crucial for brain development and childbirth. As a person matures, these sutures ossify, meaning the bone fuses across the joint, becoming less distinct.

There are several types of õmblusliiges based on the shape of the bone edges they connect. These include the serrated sutures, like the sagittal suture between the parietal bones; the squamous suture, where a thin edge of one bone overlaps another, found between the temporal and parietal bones; and the harmonia, a simple plane or slightly wavy junction, such as the intermaxillary suture. Issues with suture development, such as premature fusion (craniosynostosis), can lead to deformities of the skull and potentially affect brain growth.