Lambda
Last revised by Daniel J Bell on 12 Aug 2018
Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Hacking C, Bell D, Luijkx T, et al. Lambda. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 19 Apr 2024) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-40395
rID:
40395
Article created:
Disclosures:
At the time the article was created Craig Hacking had no recorded disclosures.
View Craig Hacking's current disclosures
Last revised:
12 Aug 2018,
Daniel J Bell ◉
Disclosures:
At the time the article was last revised Daniel J Bell had no recorded disclosures.
View Daniel J Bell's current disclosures
Revisions:
4 times, by
4 contributors -
see full revision history and disclosures
Systems:
Sections:
Synonyms:
- Lambdas
The lambda is the midline bony landmark where the lambdoid sutures and sagittal suture meet, between the occipital and two parietal bones. It may be a depression and therefore palpable. Accessory occiptal bones are common near the lambda, usually associated with the lambdoid sutures.
It is the posterior fontanelle in the neonate and closes by the second month after birth 2 (although normal closure can occur up to 6 months after birth).
It is one of the skull landmarks, craniometric points for radiological or anthropological skull measurement.
History and etymology
The lambda is so-called because of the upside-down V shape formed by the two lambdoid sutures meeting at the lambda. The Greek letter lambda 'Λ' is this shape.
References
- 1. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN:1451119453. Read it at Google Books - Find it at Amazon
- 2. Butler P, Mitchell A, Healy JC. Applied Radiological Anatomy. Cambridge University Press. (2012) ISBN:0521766664. Read it at Google Books - Find it at Amazon
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