Objectives: The pterion and asterion are important cranial landmarks used in anatomical orientation. Although both have been widely studied individually, data on their combined morphology and spatial relationship remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the morphology and morphometric relationships of the pterion and asterion in adult dry skulls and to compare findings between two anatomical collections.Methods: A total of 38 adult dry human skulls from the anatomical collections of Demokrasi University and Selçuk University were examined.
The pterion was classified according to Murphy’s classification, and the asterion based on the presence of a sutural bone. Positional classification of the pterion was performed relative to the zygomatic arch and frontozygomatic suture. Bilateral morphometric measurements were obtained using a digital caliper and analyzed statistically.Results: The sphenoparietal type was the most common pterion configuration.
A sutural bone at the asterion was observed in 35.5% of the examined sides. Several morphometric parameters differed significantly between collections. The pterion–zygomatic arch and pterion–frontozygomatic suture distances were greater in Selçuk skulls. High and posterior pterion types were also morefrequent in this group.
The mean pterion–asterion distance was approximately 89 mm, with no significant side or collection-related difference.Conclusion: The findings demonstrate intercollection differences in the position of the pterion and in several morphometric relationships. These data provide additional morphometric information on their spatial relationship and may provide additional reference data for anatomical studies.