Lambda

The  word [lambda] is Greek and is represented by the symbols [Λ] and [λ]. Because of the inverted "V" shape and inverted "Y" shape of these symbols, it was used by Galen of Pergamon (129AD - 200AD) to denote the junction of the sagital suture (interparietal articulation) and the occipitoparietal suture, also known as the "lamboid" suture. The lambda can also be described as the point of junction of the occipital bone with the parietal bones.

Although Galen named this junction originally, it was Vesalius (1514- 1564) who brought this name into modern anatomy. Later, Peter Paul Broca (1824- 1880) used this landmark as a craniometric point.

Click on the accompanying image of a posterior view of the cranium for a larger depiction.

Image in public domain, modified from Toldt's "Atlas of Human Anatomy", 1903.

Cranium, posterior view. (Toldt's Anatomy Atlas)
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