The primary role of functional matrices in facial growth.

D uring the past decade the method of functional cranial analysis has been developed in our laboratory. The basic postulates and the experimental and clinical supporting data have been published extensively elsewhere.4-“Y The orthodontic specialty recently became aware of this analytical technique, with particular interest being expressed in the derivat,i\-e concept of the Jurrctionul matrix. In view of the current reappraisal of the theories of cranial bone growth by many workers (Scott3” and EnlowZA), it is appropriate to indicate the contribution which the analytical method makes toward the resolution of this problem. The present review first defines the two basic types of functional matrices (periosteal and capsular) and then demonstrat.es their differing and yet complementary roles as the primary morphogenetic agencies in skeletal tissue growth.