{{short description|Meeting point of the coronal suture and the sagittal suture of the skull}} {{Infobox anatomy | Name = Bregma | Latin =bregma | Image = Kort-lang-skalle.gif | Caption = Superior view of the calvarium, bregma located at the intersection of the coronal and sagittal sutures. # Coronal Suture # Sagittal Suture # Lambdoid Suture (Lambda also visible at the intersection of the lambdoid suture by the sagittal suture.) | Precursor =Anterior fontanelle | System =Skeletal system | Artery = | Vein = | Nerve = | Lymph = }} The '''bregma''' is the anatomical point on the skull at which the coronal suture is intersected perpendicularly by the sagittal suture.
== Structure == The bregma is located at the intersection of the coronal suture and the sagittal suture on the superior middle portion of the calvaria.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|chapter-url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780323447812502321|title=Imaging in Neurology, Part 1|publisher=AMIRSYS|year=2016|isbn=978-0-323-44781-2|pages=288–291|language=en|chapter=Skull, Scalp, and Meninges Overview|doi=10.1016/B978-0-323-44781-2.50232-1}}</ref> It is the point where the frontal bone and the two parietal bones meet.<ref name=":0" />
=== Development === The bregma is known as the anterior fontanelle during infancy. The anterior fontanelle is membranous and closes in the first 18-36 months of life.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Gilroy|first1=Anne M.|title=Atlas of Anatomy|last2=MacPherson|first2=Brian R.|last3=Wikenheiser|first3=Jamie C.|last4=Schuenke|first4=Michael|last5=Schulte|first5=Erik|last6=Schumacher|first6=Udo|publisher=Thieme Medical Publishers|others=Anne M. Gilroy, Brian R. MacPherson, Jamie C. Wikenheiser, Markus M. Voll, Karl Wesker, Michael Based on: Schünke|year=2020|isbn=978-1-68420-203-4|edition=4th|location=New York|oclc=1134458436}}</ref>
== Clinical significance ==
=== Cleidocranial dysostosis === In the birth defect cleidocranial dysostosis, the anterior fontanelle never closes to form the bregma.
=== Surgical landmark === The bregma is often used as a reference point for stereotactic surgery of the brain.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|last1=Carvey|first1=Paul M.|chapter-url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780121852917500199|title=Methods in Neurosciences|last2=Maag|first2=Terrence J.|last3=Lin|first3=Donghui|publisher=Elsevier|year=1994|isbn=978-0-12-185291-7|volume=21|pages=214–234|chapter=13 - Injection of Biologically Active Substances into the Brain|doi=10.1016/B978-0-12-185291-7.50019-9|issn=1043-9471}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last1=Harley|first1=Carolyn W.|chapter-url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128120286000197|title=Handbook of Behavioral Neuroscience|last2=Shakhawat|first2=Amin M. D.|last3=Quinlan|first3=Meghan A. L.|last4=Carew|first4=Samantha J.|last5=Walling|first5=Sue G.|last6=Yuan|first6=Qi|last7=Martin|first7=Gerard M.|publisher=Publisher|year=2018|isbn=978-0-12-812028-6|volume=28|pages=349–364|chapter=Chapter 19 - Using Molecular Biology to Address Locus Coeruleus Modulation of Hippocampal Plasticity and Learning: Progress and Pitfalls|doi=10.1016/B978-0-12-812028-6.00019-7|issn=1569-7339}}</ref> It may be identified by blunt scraping of the surface of the skull and washing to make the meeting point of the sutures clearer.<ref name=":1" />
=== Neonatal examination === Examination of an infant includes palpating the anterior fontanelle.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book|last=Carreiro|first=Jane E.|chapter-url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780443067389000083|title=An Osteopathic Approach to Children|date=2009-01-01|publisher=Churchill Livingstone|isbn=978-0-443-06738-9|edition=2nd|pages=131–145|language=en|chapter=8 - Labor, delivery and birth|doi=10.1016/b978-0-443-06738-9.00008-3}}</ref> It should be flat, soft, and less than 3.5{{Spaces}}cm across.<ref name=":2" /> A sunken fontanelle indicates dehydration, whereas a very tense or bulging anterior fontanelle indicates raised intracranial pressure.
=== Height assessment === Cranial height is defined as the distance between the bregma and the midpoint of the foramen magnum (the basion).<ref name=":3">{{Cite book|last=Nikita|first=Efthymia|chapter-url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128040218000061|title=Osteoarchaeology - A Guide to the Macroscopic Study of Human Skeletal Remains|date=2017-01-01|publisher=Academic Press|isbn=978-0-12-804021-8|pages=243–267|language=en|chapter=6 - Growth Patterns}}</ref> This is strongly linked to more general growth.<ref name=":3" /> This can be used to assess the general health of a deceased person as part of an archaeological excavation, giving information on the health of a population.<ref name=":3" />
== Etymology == The word "bregma" comes from the Ancient Greek βρέγμα (''brégma''), meaning the bone directly above the brain.<ref>Liddell & Scott, ''Greek-English Lexicon''</ref>
== References == {{Gray's}} {{Reflist}}
== Additional images == <gallery> File:Slide3ROM.JPG|The bregma, human skull. </gallery>
== External links == {{Commons category|Bregma}} * {{NormanAnatomy|lesson1}}
{{Sutures}} {{Portal bar|Anatomy}} {{Authority control}}
Category:Human anatomy Category:Skull