The Progression of Craniofacial Growth and Development: An Anthropological Study Applicable to the Forensic and Identity Sciences

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to provide a description of the progression of craniofacial growth and development from infancy through adulthood. Whereas much of the diverse published literature provides information specific to separate dimensions and or components of the craniofacial skeleton, unique to particular populations, our aim, through compiling these disparate findings, was to capture and convey the overall appearance of the craniofacial complex at various ages. This was accomplished through an intensive review and amalgamation of the published literature, mostly from the recent five years, which addresses various aspects of craniofacial growth and development. Key findings suggest that at birth, craniofacial bones have attained approximately 45% of their total growth.

Most rapid growth is complete by age 7 with facial development largely complete (82 to 92%) by age 5. Specific sexual dimorphism (shape differences in females and males) begins to appear around age 9.Final size maturity is attained between 13 and 15 years in females and 17 and 25 years in males. Although technically craniofacial growth is continuous, after 20 years of age the rate of growth appears insignificant. These findings, and this integrated anthropological research approach provides essential information for individuals working at the frontier of forensic science technologies inclusive of age progression, age regression, and facial identification.