While the brain's growth largely concludes in early adolescence, the skull's development continues longer. The skull's bones fully fuse around the age of 20. Therefore, a more precise phrasing of the question would be, "At what age is the skull fully grown?"
Skull Growth Timeline:
- Early Childhood: Rapid brain and skull growth occurs during infancy and early childhood. The skull is not fully formed at birth; it has soft spots (fontanelles) that gradually close.
- Adolescence: The brain reaches near-adult size by early adolescence, but the skull continues to develop.
- Young Adulthood: The seams between the skull bones fully fuse around age 20. This marks the completion of skull growth. Although the skull may undergo minor changes after 20, it is considered fully grown by this point.
Different parts of the head grow at different rates. Brain growth is largely complete in early adolescence, while skull fusion is complete around age 20. These are distinct processes.
References and Clarifications:
- Skull Fusion: The provided text states that "the seams between the bones of the skull do not completely fuse together until about age 20". This is the key factor in determining when the skull is considered fully grown.
- Brain Growth: Multiple references mention brain growth stopping or nearing completion by early adolescence (approximately ages 10-14). However, this is distinct from skull growth.
- Variations: While 20 is a general guideline, individual variations exist. These variations could be affected by factors such as genetics and overall health.
