WHICH OF THE CRANIOFACIAL

COMPONENTS ARE SITES /

CENTERS, WITH SUFFICIENT
EVIDENCE (WITH & AGAINST) &
WHY?
NEVEN MORTAGA
Craniofacial components Growth site Growth center Evidences
 CRANIOFACIAL REGION

It consists of nerves, blood vessels, and

other tissues forming the skull and face.
• Bones
• muscles responsible for facial expression, mastication, and speech.
• sensory organs like the eyes, nose, and ears, along with their associated
nerves and sensory processing centers.

Cranial base
Facial bones mandible maxilla
and vault
 01 GROWTH CENTER
Region that acts as a focal point for growth regulation and coordination.
Baume- proposed growth center used to describe places of endochondral
ossification with tissue separating force.

GROWTH SITE
02 Localized area where growth and remodeling take
place.
01 Cranial base lateral sutures plus Major and
minor Cranial vault sutures plus sutures of
maxilla are growth site
02 cranial base condyle, ramus, and other
surfaces of mandible are growth site
01 Cranial base synchondroses has been considered growth
center especially spheno-occipital synchondrosis
02 Nasal septal cartilage is considered as growth
center in the postnatal life
 Clinical Significance

Any dysfunction or abnormalities in either

growth center or site result in craniofacial
abnormalities or conditions such as
craniosynostosis restricting skull growth.
Understanding the dynamics of growth sites and
growth centers is essential for comprehending
craniofacial development, the pathogenesis of
craniofacial abnormalities, and identifying key
sites or centers within this complex system
enhances clinical practice, surgical outcomes, and
scientific knowledge, ultimately benefiting
patients and advancing healthcare.
THANK YOU
Neven Mortaga