AGE-RELATED MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES OF THE HUMAN SKULL

Age-related morphological changes of the human skull represent a dynamic and continuous biological process influenced by growth, maturation, and aging. These transformations affect cranial thickness, sutural fusion, facial proportions, and overall cranial architecture. Understanding such changes is essential for anatomy, forensic science, neurosurgery, and craniofacial reconstruction. The present study aimed to investigate age-dependent morphological variations of the skull using morphometric analysis and modern imaging techniques. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Department of Human Anatomy, Tashkent State Medical University. Computed tomography (CT) scans of adult individuals were analyzed across different age groups to assess cranial bone thickness, degree of sutural closure, and cranial indices. The findings revealed progressive sutural fusion, regional alterations in cranial thickness, and measurable changes in craniofacial proportions with increasing age. These results confirm that the skull remains morphologically adaptable throughout adulthood rather than being a static structure. The study highlights the importance of integrating classical anatomical knowledge with modern imaging technologies to improve clinical diagnostics, forensic identification, and surgical planning.