In an adult skull recovered from skeletal remains, the sagittal suture is completely obliterated while the coronal and lambdoid sutures are still patent. The approximate age at death is:

• A 30 to 40 years ✓
• B 20 to 30 years
• C 40 to 50 years
• D Above 60 years

Explanation

Cranial sutures close in a predictable sequence: the sagittal suture begins closing around 25 to 30 years and completes by about 40 years, the coronal follows at roughly 40 to 50 years, and the lambdoid closes last at about 45 to 55 years. B fully closed sagittal suture with open coronal and lambdoid sutures therefore points to the fourth decade. Suture closure is only supportive evidence in adults because it shows considerable individual variation.

Reference: Parikh's Textbook of Medical Jurisprudence and Toxicology, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.