FONTANELS Meaning and
Definition
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Fontanels are the anatomical term referring to the soft spots present in a baby's skull at birth. These soft spots, also known as "fontanelles," are gaps or spaces between the bony plates that form the cranium. Fontanels are made up of tough and fibrous membranes that allow for flexibility and growth of the skull during a baby's early development.
There are typically two fontanels in an infant's skull: the anterior fontanel, located at the top of the head, and the posterior fontanel, located at the back of the head. The anterior fontanel is the larger of the two and is diamond-shaped, while the posterior fontanel is smaller and triangular.
Fontanels play a crucial role in the baby's growth and development. They provide space for the brain to expand and accommodate the rapid development of the skull. As the infant grows, the fontanels gradually close and fuse, with the anterior fontanel typically closing by the time the baby reaches 18-24 months of age and the posterior fontanel closing within the first few months.
Healthcare providers and parents often monitor the fontanels as they can provide valuable information about the baby's hydration and overall well-being. A slightly sunken or depressed fontanel may indicate dehydration, while a bulging fontanel may suggest increased pressure within the brain, potentially due to an infection or other conditions.
In summary, fontanels are the soft spots present in a baby's skull that allow for growth, flexibility, and brain development. They close gradually over time and serve as important indicators of a baby's health.
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The spaces left in the head of an infant where the frontal and occipital bones join the parietal.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for FONTANELS
Etymology of FONTANELS
The word "fontanels" derives from the French word "fontanelle", which means "small fountain" or "natural water source". The French term originated from the Latin word "fontanella", with the same meaning. The word is formed by combining "font-" (from "fons"), which means "source" or "fountain", and the diminutive suffix "-ella", which denotes "small". In English, "fontanelle" refers specifically to the soft spots on a baby's skull, which resemble small wells or fountains. Over time, the English term evolved into "fontanels", pluralizing the word to refer to multiple soft spots on an infant's skull.
Similar spelling words for FONTANELS
- fontanelle,
- Fontana,
- fontan,
- fonteyn,
- fontanez,
- Fontenette,
- fontanel,
- fountainhead,
- fontanilla,
- Fentanyl,
- fontanne,
- fountain,
- fondant,
- Fontaine,
- fountaine.
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