Fontanellit

Fontanellit is a term sometimes used to refer to the fontanelles, which are the soft spots on a baby's head. These are spaces between the bones of a newborn's skull. In infants, the skull is composed of several bony plates that are not yet fused together. The fontanelles are covered by a tough membrane and are typically found at the junction of these plates.

There are usually two prominent fontanelles: the anterior fontanelle, located at the front of the head, and the posterior fontanelle, at the back. The anterior fontanelle is larger and diamond-shaped, while the posterior fontanelle is smaller and triangular. These soft spots allow the skull to be flexible, which is crucial for the baby's head to pass through the birth canal during delivery. They also accommodate the rapid growth of the brain in the first year of life.

Over time, the fontanelles gradually close or ossify. The posterior fontanelle typically closes within the first few months of life, usually by two to three months. The anterior fontanelle takes longer to close, usually between 12 and 18 months of age. The process of fontanelle closure is a normal part of a baby's development. Doctors will often check the fontanelles during routine check-ups to ensure they are closing appropriately and to assess for any signs of potential health issues.