Skull & Cranial Anatomy
Calvaria (calvarium)
The calvaria is the dome-shaped upper part of the skull that covers the brain.
In short: Calvaria (calvarium)
- Convexity encephaloceles occur through the calvaria.
- It forms the rounded top of the head.
- It is part of the cranium.
- Parietal and many occipital encephaloceles emerge through it.
What it is
It is the skullcap — the dome over the top of the brain. It is the part of the cranium that forms the rounded upper surface of the head.
Understanding Calvaria (calvarium)
Parietal and many occipital encephaloceles emerge through the calvaria, presenting as visible swellings on the head. As a convexity region, the calvaria is where externally visible encephaloceles tend to occur, in contrast to the skull base, where hidden basal encephaloceles arise.
Why it matters
Understanding the calvaria helps families locate where many visible encephaloceles occur and distinguish them from hidden basal lesions at the skull base.
Common questions
Where is the calvaria?
The dome at the top of the skull.
Which encephaloceles involve it?
Convexity types like parietal.
Is it part of the cranium?
Yes.
Bottom line
The calvaria is the skull's dome, where convexity encephaloceles emerge.
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