Major Fontanelles Of The Fetal Skull

Anterior fontanelle also called soft spot.

Major fontanelles of the fetal skull. Fontanelles allow for rapid stretching and deformation of the neurocranium as the brain expands faster than the surrounding bone can grow. There are 2 fontanelles the space between the bones of an infant s skull where the sutures intersect that are covered by tough membranes that protect the underlying soft tissues and brain. And the other 2 with less obstetrical significance is anterolateral sphenoid and posterolateral fontanelles mastoid.

The posterior fontanel closes within the first few months of life while the anterior one closes much later. Ninja nerds join us in this video where we show the fetal skull fontanelles through the use of a model. The anterior fontanelle is located towards the front of the head.

The anterior fontanelle remains soft until about 2 years of age. Vertex this is bounded by posterior fontanelle 2 parietal eminences by the anterior fontanelle. Premature complete ossification of the sutures is called craniosynostosis.

Please support us patreon https www patreo. Fontanel also spelled fontanelle soft spot in the skull of an infant covered with tough fibrous membrane. The anterior fontanelle and posterior fontanelle are the two areas of an infant s head where the skull bones have not completely covered the brain.

By assessing the landmarks of the fetal skull such as sutures and fontanelles a midwife is able to diagnose the position and attitude of the fetal head in the pelvis and determine the most likely mechanism of labour and mode of delivery. The anterior and the posterior. There are two fontanelles the space between the bones of an infant s skull where the sutures intersect that are covered by tough membranes.

If the fontanels close too early the baby s brain cannot grow in that direction and will grow in another direction causing misshaping of the head. There is one located on the back of the head which is known as the posterior fontanelles. Regions areas the skull is divided into 3 parts with obstetrical importance.