| Abstract: | This study explores the changes in sinus and meningeal vessel patterns caused by various types of artificial cranial deformation. Endocranial casts were prepared from six crania exhibiting one of three types of deformation (lambdoid, parallelo-fronto-occipital and fronto-vertico-occipital), as well as from 15 undeformed crania. Vessel and sulcus patterns of each cranium were analysed and these patterns included depth of impressions, size and number of vessels, and directional pathways of vessels. Comparisons were made within and between the different deformation types. The results indicated that deformation has an effect upon the pattern, shape and depth of vessel impressions. Vessels tended to be flattened in the areas directly affected by cranial deformation, and there was often compensatory enlargement of other vessels. Further, three of the six artificially deformed crania exhibited enlarged occipital/marginal sinuses, suggesting that this trait is developmentally plastic and greatly influenced by environmental factors. |
