What is the name of the crest that runs along the top of the skull?

The crest that runs along the top of the skull is referred to as the sagittal crest. This ridge of bone runs from the front to the back of the skull and serves as an attachment point for muscles that are involved in chewing and other jaw movements. In certain species, particularly in some mammals, the development of a pronounced sagittal crest indicates powerful jaw muscles and often correlates with dietary habits that require significant chewing or grinding of food. This feature is especially observable in certain primates, including some early human relatives, contributing to discussions on evolutionary adaptations related to diet and feeding behaviors.

In contrast, the coronal suture runs across the skull from ear to ear, separating the frontal bone from the parietal bones, while the temporal region refers to the sides of the skull where the temples are located. The frontal refers specifically to the forehead region of the skull and does not denote a crest. Understanding these anatomical features helps clarify evolutionary relationships and the functional adaptations of different species.