Volumetric changes in the developing rabbit calvarium.

Tantalum bone markers were implanted in the frontal, parietal, and temporal bones, at least two in each bone segment, in seven male New Zealand white rabbits. Roentgen stereophotogrammetric analyses were performed for regular intervals between ages 30 to 142 days. With the exception of a few implants in the temporal bone, bone markers remained stable during the observation period. Volumetric and longitudinal growth data were compared. Calvarial polyhedron volumes increased linearly. Growth at the actual neurocranial sutures demonstrated an individually fluctuating pace. No obvious correlation between volumetric and longitudinal growth was noted. This might be explained by sagittal and temporal suture growth in periods being close to the methodological error and failure to document bone rotations. Previous observations on the linearity in cerebral weight increase during corresponding periods of time points to the decisive role of neural mass growth in calvarial development in rabbits. Suture growth characteristics are discussed.