Craniofacial growth.
Craniofacial growth represents a complex enlargement and differentiation of hard and soft tissues, characterized by cephalocaudal and allometric patterns. The cranial base matures earlier than the face and is used cephalometrically as a relatively stable reference area. The maxilla, although intimately associated with the cranium, exhibits some independent growth, particularly in the vertical dimension. The mandible, hanging in a sling of muscles and articulating only at the temporomandibular fossae and with the opposing dentition, is purportedly able to adapt its shape and position in space to some extent as a function of condylar growth.
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, USA.
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D000328:Adult; D002508:Cephalometry; D002648:Child; D005145:Face; D005147:Facial Bones / Q000254:growth & development; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008334:Mandible / Q000254:growth & development; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000254:growth & development; D008437:Maxilla / Q000254:growth & development; D008445:Maxillofacial Development / Q000502:physiology*; D019291:Skull Base / Q000254:growth & development; D014716:Vertical Dimension