Embryology: sutures and skull shape: practice question

A Anatomy question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Anatomy · Embryology: sutures and skull shape

Sample item

An infant has a long, narrow skull with a prominent forehead and occiput and a palpable ridge along the midline. Early fusion of which suture is responsible?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Sagittal suture

Premature fusion of the sagittal suture restricts growth in width, so the skull grows lengthwise to give scaphocephaly. Coronal fusion causes a short broad head, and metopic fusion causes a triangular forehead.

Option by option

  • A. Lambdoid suture

    Lambdoid fusion produces a flattened posterior skull on one side.

  • B. Sagittal suture (correct)

    Correct. Sagittal synostosis gives a long narrow skull.

  • C. Metopic suture

    Metopic fusion produces a keel-shaped, triangular forehead.

  • D. Coronal suture

    Coronal fusion produces a short, wide skull with a flattened forehead.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Anatomy questions

Questions about this Anatomy question

What is the answer to this Anatomy question?

The best answer is B, Sagittal suture. Premature fusion of the sagittal suture restricts growth in width, so the skull grows lengthwise to give scaphocephaly.

Why is "Lambdoid suture" not the answer?

Lambdoid fusion produces a flattened posterior skull on one side.

Why is "Metopic suture" not the answer?

Metopic fusion produces a keel-shaped, triangular forehead.

Why is "Coronal suture" not the answer?

Coronal fusion produces a short, wide skull with a flattened forehead.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Embryology: sutures and skull shape in Anatomy. Coronal fusion causes a short broad head, and metopic fusion causes a triangular forehead.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Embryology: sutures and skull shape?

Learn every nerve by its route, its muscles and what a lesion looks like at the bedside. That one habit answers a large share of questions. Then use the flashcards and the other Anatomy questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.