How are the joints of the skull connected?

The joints of the skull are connected by immovable sutures, which are specialized joints that allow for little to no movement. These sutures are fibrous joints that firmly bind the bones of the skull together. This rigidity is crucial for protecting the brain and maintaining the structural integrity of the skull throughout life.

During early development, these sutures allow for some movement to accommodate brain growth and create a flexible structure at birth. However, as a person matures, these sutures ossify, further minimizing movement and providing a solid protective casing for the brain. The immovable nature of these sutures distinguishes them from other types of joints, such as movable joints, which allow for a greater range of motion, or hinge and ball-and-socket joints found in other parts of the body.