[Craniofacial growth modified by blood supply. 8. Discussion of normal cranial growth of the rat].

The dimensions of the skull and the dry weight of the skull bones show definite sexual dimorphism. The dynamics of the growth in the skull dimensions and their vectorial presentation show that skull growth in Rattus norvegicus BERKENHOUT is most rapid between the 42nd d and the 4th month of life. This phase is followed by a phase of localized bone growth, which persists up to an age of 300 d. The faster growth of the viscerocranium leads to changes in the proportions of the skull. The relative positions of viscerocranium and mandible and the higher relative position of the dentures are similar to principle to those seen in man. Finally, the morphogenetic effect of the temporalis muscle together with that of the brain in the shaping of the skull are discussed.