The squamous suture is a fibrous joint located on the side of the skull, connecting the temporal bone to the parietal bone. This suture is named for its flat, scale-like appearance, resembling the scales of a fish. It plays a crucial role in the structure of the skull, allowing for slight movement between the bones during growth and development. As a type of suture, the squamous suture is part of the larger system of cranial sutures that help protect the brain and maintain the shape of the skull. Over time, these sutures can fuse, which is a normal part of aging, but premature fusion can lead to craniosynostosis, affecting head shape and brain development.