Until the early 20th century, there was no functional theory of the skull that allowed craniological studies to be oriented from a functional perspective. van der Klaauw’s work enabled a dynamic interpretation of the skull that would move beyond classic anatomical studies and allow the development of innovative interdisciplinary approaches such as, for example, ecomorphology. On the other hand, Melvin Moss put forward a more complex theory of the craniofacial dynamic, known as the theory of Functional Cranial Components, in which the hypothesis of the functional matrix played a fundamental role. This hypothesis contemplates various biological notions by following Hegel’s dialectical model, the key aspect of which is the spiral made up of the thesis, antithesis, and synthesis. Melvin Moss applied this philosophical scheme to the structure of his theory, which was supported by large quantities of experimental data. This paper will essentially focus on Melvin Moss’s works, with two main objectives: first, to analyze how he established the functional matrix theory in relation to novel theoretical perspectives such as mechanotransduction, epigenetics, etc.; and second, to examine the significant contribution to this theoretical system that the work of Héctor Pucciarelli represents.Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo