Sagittal keel

Sagittal keel is a term used in anthropology to describe a specific morphological characteristic in the skull of some species of Homo erectus. A sagittal keel refers to a thickening of part of the skull along the midline, or sagittal suture, which is where the two parietal bones meet. This feature is often associated with robust, or heavily built, species of Homo erectus.

Etymology

The term "sagittal keel" comes from the Latin word "sagitta", meaning "arrow", and the Old Norse word "kjǫlr", meaning "keel". This is due to the resemblance of the feature to the keel of a ship or the spine of an arrow.

Description

The sagittal keel is a thickened, raised area of bone that runs along the top of the skull, from the forehead to the back of the head. It is most prominent in the middle of the skull, and can be felt as a ridge under the skin. The sagittal keel is not a separate bone, but rather a thickening of the existing parietal bones.

Function and Significance

The function of the sagittal keel is not well understood. Some researchers believe that it may have served to strengthen the skull against the stresses of chewing. Others suggest that it may have been a byproduct of the way the skull bones grew and fused together.

The presence of a sagittal keel is one of the defining characteristics of Homo erectus, and is often used to distinguish this species from others in the genus Homo. However, not all individuals of Homo erectus had a sagittal keel, and it is also found in some other hominins, including some Neanderthals.

See also

• Homo erectus
• Skull
• Anthropology
• Neanderthals

References

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