In the search for explanations for differences in the shape of skulls and their phylogenetic development, the morphology of the skull must be seen in connec tion with the functions it has to perform. The skull encloses the brain and the sense organs and provides them with physical protection. It also houses the initial parts of the respiratory and digestive systems and together with the jaws constitutes a tool capable of cutting and grinding food. The skull must be able to withstand forces imposed upon it by chewing, by movement of the head, by the weight of the head itself, and by impact loadings. An investigation of the factors influencing the shape of the skull has to take into account not only the above-mentioned functions. The shape also de pends on the phylogenetic history 9f the species concerned, which prescribes a basic bauplan and places restrictions on the extent to which functions can influence the design of structural units. The possibilities for variations in skull shape are also limited by ontogenetic development, since the shape of the adult skull is the result of intermediate stages of development, at each of which the skull was a functioning unit. Body size and absolute and relative size of the sense organs in the head also play an important role in determining the shape of the skull.

1 Introduction

2 Review of the Literature on the Biomechanics of the Primate Skull
2.1 Upper Facial Skeleton
2.2 Mandible
2.3 Neurocranium and Skull as a Whole
3 Procedure
4 Cranial Sutures
5 Mechanical Functions of the Dura Mater
6 External Forces Acting upon the Skull
6.1 Equilibrium of Forces at the Atlanto-occipital Joint
6.2 Forces at the Temporomandibular Joints
7 Development of Models and External Forces in the Experiments
8 Technique of Experimental Stress Analysis
9 Results of the Experimental Stress Analysis of the Shell Models
9.1 Hemispherical Model
9.2 Semiovoid Model
9.3 Excursus: Statics of Shells
9.4 Semiovoid Model Under Different Loads
9.5 Supporting Pillars
9.6 Different Directions of Load Application
9.7 Size and Curvature
9.8 Load Application at TMJ Equivalents
9.9 Flexure of the Anterior Wall (Cranial Base Flexure)
9.10 Flexure of the Posterior Wall (Occipital Profile)
10 Functional Morphology of the Basicranium
11 Summary
Acknowledgements
References.