Suture Collection

Human Skull
Illustration of human skull

Ammonite fossil C016 / 5777
Ammonite (Parkinsonia dorsetensis) fossil. This ammonite has an evolute shell and is displaying complex suture lines. Specimen originates from the Middle Jurassic

Human skull anatomy, diagram
Human skull anatomy. Diagram showing the structure and anatomy of a human skull, including the sutures (jagged lines), the joints between the fused skull bones

Detail of a thoracoplasty, the operation of removing or resecting one or more ribs to obliterate the pleural space
SURGERY, 19th CENTURY. Detail of a thoracoplasty, the operation of removing or resecting one or more ribs to obliterate the pleural space and remove a diseased lung

Skull sutures, 3D CT scan C016 / 6403
Skull sutures. 3D computed tomography (CT) scan of the surface of a human skull, showing the sutures. Sutures are a type of rigid fibrous joint where the bones of the skull join

Hip fracture surgery C013 / 4943
Hip fracture surgery. Close up of a surgeon closing an incision at the end of surgery to fix a hip fracture using a cannulated hip screw (CHS)

Hip fracture surgery C013 / 4942
Hip fracture surgery. Close up of a surgeon holding thread while stitching an incision at the end of surgery to fix a hip fracture using a cannulated hip screw (CHS)

Various surgical instruments. Woodcut, 1567
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, 1567. Various surgical instruments. Woodcut, 1567

French surgeon. Illustration showing the correct technique for suturing facial wounds, from Dr
AMBROISE PARE (1510-1590). French surgeon. Illustration showing the correct technique for suturing facial wounds, from Dr. Pares Ten Books of Surgery

Brasilia bradfordensis, ammonite
This Middle Jurassic ammonite has been sectioned to show its chambers with calcite crystals formed in some and hardened mud in others. The body chamber is missing

Parkinsonia dorsetensis, ammonite
This ammonite has an evolute shell and is displaying complex suture lines. Specimen originates from the Middle Jurassic

Ceratites nodosus, ammonoid
The Ammonoids are an extinct group of marine fossil cephalopods related to todays Nautilus. In this specimen, the shell suture lines are clearly visible

Ammonite selection
Three ammonites as follows: (Left to right) Oistoceras wrighti; Asteroceras obtusum (zonal index species); Tragophylloceras loscombi all specimens originate from the Jurassic rocks near Lyme Regis

Brain anatomy, 14th century artwork. The cranial vault (top of the skull, left) has been removed and two of the skull sutures (zig-zag lines) are shown

Bowel surgery, historical anatomical artwork. This 19th century textbook illustration shows different methods of joining sections of bowel following surgery

Sutured wound, SEM
Sutured wound. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a suture in a dogs skin wound. Magnification: x20 when printed at 10 centimetres wide

Human skull anatomy, artwork
Human skull anatomy. Artwork showing the structure and anatomy of a human skull, including the sutures (jagged lines), the joints between the fused skull bones

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"Suture: The Ancient Art of Healing and Repairing" In the intricate tapestry of human anatomy, sutures play a vital role in connecting the pieces together. Just like the delicate stitching that holds a fabric intact they can the threads that bind our bodies, mending wounds and restoring wholeness. Gazing upon a human skull, one can trace the lines where these sutures intersect. They serve as silent witnesses to our growth and development, reminding us of the interconnectedness of our bones. A 3D CT scan reveals their intricate patterns, showcasing their strength and resilience. But sutures extend beyond just bone; they encompass various surgical procedures throughout history. An illustration from a 19th-century surgery text depicts thoracoplasty – an operation aimed at removing diseased lungs by resecting ribs, and is a testament to humanity's relentless pursuit of healing. Moving away from skeletal structures, we delve into other realms where sutures work their magic. Cavus foot surgery focuses on ankle tendons while hip fracture surgeries aim to restore mobility and independence for those affected by injury or age-related conditions. Throughout time, surgeons have relied on an array of instruments to perfect their craft. Woodcuts from centuries past depict these tools with precision and artistry – each instrument holding its own story within its sharp edges. Yet it is not only in medical texts or ancient woodcuts that we find evidence of suture's impact; nature too offers its own version of this phenomenon. The ammonite fossil Brasilia bradfordensis showcases Mother Nature's exquisite craftsmanship – her way of creating seamless connections through time. Finally, we turn our attention to French surgeon Dr. Pares' teachings on facial wound closure techniques. His illustrations demonstrate how precise suturing can transform disarray into beauty – leaving behind scars that tell tales of survival and resilience. Sutures transcend mere threads.