Craniofacial growth.

Craniofacial growth represents a complex enlargement and differentiation of hard and soft tissues, characterized by cephalocaudal and allometric patterns. The cranial base matures earlier than the face and is used cephalometrically as a relatively stable reference area. The maxilla, although intimately associated with the cranium, exhibits some independent growth, particularly in the vertical dimension. The mandible, hanging in a sling of muscles and articulating only at the temporomandibular fossae and with the opposing dentition, is purportedly able to adapt its shape and position in space to some extent as a function of condylar growth.