Skull & Cranial Anatomy
Lambdoid suture
The lambdoid suture runs across the back of the skull, separating the occipital bone from the parietal bones.
In short: Lambdoid suture
- It is located at the back of the skull.
- It separates the occipital and parietal bones.
- It is normal skull anatomy.
- It is a landmark near where occipital encephaloceles occur.
What it is
It is the suture at the back of the skull, separating the occipital bone (back) from the parietal bones. It is one of the major cranial sutures.
Understanding Lambdoid suture
It marks the boundary between the back and middle of the skull and is a landmark near where occipital encephaloceles occur. As with other sutures, it is a normal flexible joint that allows skull growth, distinct from an encephalocele defect.
Why it matters
Understanding the lambdoid suture helps families locate back-of-head findings relative to normal skull landmarks, near the common site of occipital encephaloceles.
Common questions
Where is it?
At the back of the skull.
What does it separate?
The occipital and parietal bones.
Is it near where occipital encephaloceles occur?
Yes.
Bottom line
The lambdoid suture separates the occipital and parietal bones at the back of the skull.
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