Fontanelle

Fontanelle

Fontanelles (pronunciation: /fɒntəˈnɛl/), also known as soft spots, are the soft, flexible areas on a baby's skull that have not yet fused together into solid bone. These areas allow for the rapid growth and development of the brain during the first year of life.

Etymology

The term "fontanelle" comes from the Latin word "fonticulus", which means "little fountain". This is a reference to the fact that the pulse can often be felt through these soft spots, much like the flow of water from a fountain.

Anatomy

There are typically six fontanelles on a newborn's skull: the anterior fontanelle, the posterior fontanelle, the two sphenoidal fontanelles, and the two mastoid fontanelles. Each of these fontanelles serves a specific purpose in the growth and development of the skull and brain.

Anterior Fontanelle

The anterior fontanelle is the largest and most well-known of the fontanelles. It is located at the junction of the two parietal bones and the two frontal bones. This fontanelle typically closes by the time the child is two years old.

Posterior Fontanelle

The posterior fontanelle is much smaller than the anterior fontanelle and is located at the junction of the two parietal bones and the occipital bone. This fontanelle usually closes within a few months after birth.

Sphenoidal Fontanelle

The sphenoidal fontanelles are located on each side of the skull, near the temporal bones and the sphenoid bone. These fontanelles typically close within the first six months of life.

Mastoid Fontanelle

The mastoid fontanelles are also located on each side of the skull, near the temporal bones and the mastoid part of the temporal bone. These fontanelles usually close within the first year of life.

Clinical Significance

Fontanelles are important clinical markers for pediatricians. They can provide information about a child's hydration status, intracranial pressure, and overall brain development. Abnormalities in the size or closure of the fontanelles can indicate a variety of medical conditions, including hydrocephalus, microcephaly, and craniosynostosis.

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Fontanelle
• Wikipedia's article - Fontanelle

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