Fontanelleilla

Fontanelleilla is a rare and unusual term that has been used in the context of anthropology and forensic science. It refers to the second fontanelle, or soft spot, on the skull of a young infant or fetus. The primary fontanelle, which is the more commonly known one, is located at the rear of the skull and is typically closed by the time a child reaches the age of 2.

Fontanelleilla, on the other hand, is located at the center of the top of the infant's skull and is more prone to remaining open for a longer period. This has led to its use as a distinct feature in identifying and analyzing the remains of infants and young children in forensic pathology.

The term fontanelle was first used by the German anatomist Caspar Bartholin the Elder in 1674 to describe the soft spots on the skull of infants. The suffix "-illa" is an Italian diminutive form used to indicate a small or less significant instance of the original feature.

In modern forensic anthropology, the examination of the primary and secondary fontanelles can provide valuable information regarding the age, sex, and ancestry of an individual. The presences or absence of fontanelleilla can be a useful indicator of the infant's development and overall health at the time of death. However, it is essential to note that the presence of fontanelleilla is not unique to forensics and can be observed in normal infant development.