Compare the location of the fontanels and sutures in the fetal skull with adult sutures.
Compare the location of the fontanels and sutures in the fetal skull with adult sutures.
The bones of the cranium and the facial region form during fetal development. Not all bones ossify completely, leaving some areas open and soft until after birth. These open areas are called fontanels and sutures.
The anterior fontanelle, also known as the "bregma" is located where the frontal and 2 parietal bones meet. This fontanel does not close until about 18 months after birth. Between that time, it bulges to accommodate rapid brain growth.
The posterior fontanelle, also known as the "lambda", can be found where the parietal, occipital, and 2 temporal bones meet. This fontanel closes about three months after birth. It is typically flat in infants younger than 1 year since this is when cranial bones are still fusing together.
The sphenoidal also known as "presphenoid" suture appears between the frontal and the sphenoid bones. This suture is only present in fetal skulls since it closes after birth.
The coronal is also known as "metopic" suture appears between the frontal and 2 parietal bones, starting at the glabella. It will close by 20 years of age.
The sagittal suture appears between the parietal and 2 temporal bones, starting at the glabella. It will close about 18 months after birth.
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