Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
fontanelle
Pronunciation: fon-tah-NELL
Soft spots on an infant's skull where bone plates have not yet fused together.
Full Definition
Membranous areas between the bones of an infant's skull that allow for brain growth and facilitate passage through the birth canal. The two main fontanelles are the anterior (diamond-shaped, located at the top front of the head) and posterior (triangular, at the back of the head). The anterior fontanelle typically closes between 12-18 months of age, while the posterior closes by 6 months. Assessment of fontanelles provides important clinical information about intracranial pressure, hydration status, and normal development.
Usage
Usage note: Can be spelled 'fontanel' (American) or 'fontanelle' (British); use consistently within documents.
In Context
- "The anterior fontanelle was noted to be full and tense, raising concern for increased intracranial pressure." — Physical examination note
- "Normal fontanelles should feel soft and flat, not sunken or bulging." — Clinical guideline
Also known as
soft spot