Lambdoid suture


The lambdoid suture is a dense, fibrous connective tissue joint on the posterior aspect of the skull that connects the parietal bones with the occipital bone. It is continuous with the occipitomastoid suture.
Its name comes from its uppercase lambda-like shape.

Clinical significance

At birth, the bones of the skull do not meet. If certain bones of the skull grow too fast, then craniosynostosis may occur. This can result in skull deformities. If the lambdoid suture closes too soon on one side, the skull will appear twisted and asymmetrical, a condition called "plagiocephaly". Plagiocephaly refers to the shape and not the condition. The condition is craniosynostosis.
The lambdoidal suture articulates with the occipital bone and parietal bones.

Additional images