FONTANEL Meaning and
Definition
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A fontanel, also known as a soft spot, refers to the open space between the bones of a baby's skull. It is a membrane-covered gap where the developing bones have not yet fused together, creating a flexible area on the head. Fontanels are typically found near the top of the head and at the back, although they may vary in size and position from one infant to another.
These soft spots are necessary for the baby's brain to grow and allow for the skull to compress during birth, making the delivery process easier. As a child develops, the fontanels will gradually close, with the bones of the skull gradually fusing together. Usually, the largest fontanel, known as the anterior fontanel, closes by the time the child is 18 to 24 months old.
Fontanels provide healthcare professionals with an important indicator of a baby's overall health. Normally, they should feel firm and slightly concave, but not sunken or bulging. Sunken fontanels may suggest dehydration, while a bulging fontanel could be a sign of increased intracranial pressure, potentially indicating a serious medical condition.
Parents and caregivers should take care to protect the fontanels and avoid putting direct pressure on these soft spots. Gentle cleaning and normal hair care are usually sufficient to keep the fontanels healthy and safe.
Common Misspellings for FONTANEL
Etymology of FONTANEL
The word "fontanel" comes from the French word "fontanelle", which means "a small fountain". It is derived from the Latin word "fonticulus", which also means "a small spring" or "a little font". The term was originally used to refer to the soft spots on a newborn baby's head because they give the sensation of a pulsating or throbbing, much like a small fountain.
Similar spelling words for FONTANEL
- Fontaine,
- fonteyn,
- fontenot,
- fontenoy,
- fontanilla,
- fountain,
- Fontana,
- fontanne,
- fontan,
- fountaine,
- fontanez,
- fondant,
- Fentanyl,
- fontanelle,
- Fontenette.
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