ANATOMICAL STUDY OF SPINE AND CRANIOFACIAL ADAPTATION TO BIPEDALISM
By
Hamad Alsaykhan
Department of Anatomy and Histology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
Corresponding author: Hamad Alsaykhan
h.alsaykhan@qu.edu.sa
Several characteristics are unique to humans, including the ability to perform complex fine motor skills and engaging in social and cultural collaborations. Human brains are equipped with higher functions that distinguish them from other species of the animal kingdom. Moreover, not only is the brain unique, but there are also other distinctive features related to other parts of the body. One of these features is bipedalism, which is the ability to maintain an erect posture that is fundamentally superior to quadrupeds, as it is less energy-consuming and frees the hands for more skillful functions. This review aims to focus on the critical anatomical and biomechanical adaptations of the cranium and vertebral column to maintain bipedalism. These adaptations include adjustments of the human structure such as cranium, face, mandible, hyoid bone, and spine. One of the most significant adaptations of these anatomical changes occurs at the pelvis, ensuring the spinopelvic balance during the erect posture and bipedal locomotion.
June 2025