Posterior fontanelle location

Anatomy, Head and Neck, Fontanelles - StatPearls

Brody J. Lipsett; Vamsi Reddy; Kim Steanson.

Author Information

Last Update: July 25, 2022.

Introduction

At birth, the newborn's skull consists of five major bones (two frontal, two parietal, and one occipital) that are separated by connective tissue junctions known as cranial sutures.[1] The sutures function as seams, and they are highly necessary to facilitate the movement and molding of the cranium through the birth canal during labor. They also allow for rapid postnatal growth and development of the brain. However, the bones that shape the cranium begin unfused, leaving several gaps between the individual bones of the infant's skull. These gaps are composed of membranous connective tissue and are known as fontanelles.

Fontanelles, often referred to as "soft spots," are one of the most prominent anatomical features of the newborn's skull. Six fontanelles are present during infancy, with the most notable being the anterior and posterior fontanelles. Fontanelle morphology may vary between infants, but characteristically they are flat and firm. Certain conditions such as dehydration or infection can alter the appearance of the fontanelles, causing them to sink or bulge, respectively. This article will review the anatomical location and structures that border the fontanelles and their average closure time. Additionally, this article will cover proper examination techniques, medical imaging, and medical conditions that most commonly affect fontanelle morphology.

Structure and Function

Anterior Fontanelle

The anterior fontanelle is the largest of the six fontanelles, and it resembles a diamond-shape ranging in size from 0.6 cm to 3.6 cm with a mean of 2.1 cm.[2] It forms through the juxtaposition of the frontal bones and parietal bones with the superior sagittal sinus coursing beneath it. Two frontal bones join to form one-half the anterior fontanelle with the metopic suture serving as the parallel divider between the paired bones. Next, the parietal bones are positioned against each other to complete the fontanelle. The positioning of the two parietal bones against each other gives rise to the sagittal suture. Finally, the alignment of the frontal bones against the parietal bones establishes the coronal suture.

The average closure time of the anterior fontanelle ranges from 13 to 24 months.[3] Infants of African descent statically have larger fontanelles that range from 1.4 to 4.7 cm, and in terms of sex, the fontanelles of male infants will closer sooner compared to female infants.[4][5] The most common conditions associated with a large anterior fontanelle or a delay in its closure are as listed: Down syndrome, achondroplasia, congenital hypothyroidism, rickets, and elevated intracranial pressures.[6] An extensive list of conditions associated with these findings will follow in the clinical significance section of this article.

In addition to being the largest, the anterior fontanelle is also the most important clinically. [7] This structure offers insight into the newborn’s state of health, especially hydration and intracranial pressure status. A sunken fontanelle is primarily due to dehydration. Other clinical indicators that support the diagnosis of dehydration are dry mucous membranes, sunken eyes, poor tear production, decreased peripheral perfusion, and lack of wet diapers.[8] Furthermore, a bulging fontanelle may indicate a rise in intracranial pressure, suggesting multiple pathologies: hydrocephalus, hypoxemia, meningitis, trauma, or hemorrhage. The clinical significance section will highlight an extensive but not complete list of differential diagnoses of a bulging anterior fontanelle.

Posterior Fontanelle

Unlike the anterior fontanelle, the posterior fontanelle is triangular and completely closes within about six to eight weeks after birth.[7] This structure arises from the juncture of the parietal lobes and occipital lobe. Through this placement, the lambdoid suture forms. On average, the posterior fontanelle is 0. 5 cm in Caucasian infants and 0.7 cm infants of African descent.[4] Often, the delayed closure of the posterior fontanelle is associated with hydrocephalus or congenital hypothyroidism.[9]

Mastoid Fontanelle

The mastoid fontanelle, a paired structure, can be found at the intersection of temporal, parietal, and occipital bones. Additionally, the mastoid fontanelle also has the name of the posterolateral fontanelle. These fontanelles may close anywhere from six to eighteen months of age.

Sphenoid Fontanelle

Similarly, the sphenoid fontanelle is also paired. Its location can be on either side of the skull at the convergence of the sphenoid, parietal, temporal, and frontal bone. It is also known as the anterolateral fontanelle; their closure occurs at approximately the sixth-month mark after birth.

Third Fontanel

Uniquely, a third fontanelle between the anterior and posterior fontanelles correlates with certain conditions like Down syndrome and congenital infections such as rubella. The reported frequency of this third fontanelle has been 6.4% in an unselected population of 1020 newborns.[10]

Embryology

As the growth and development of the newborn continue, each fontanelle will close within their respective timelines by a process known as intramembranous ossification. The flat bones of the cranium are considered the membranous portion of the neurocranium that consists of mesenchyme. The mesenchyme undergoes a process in which bony needle-like projections called spicules radiate from primary ossification centers towards the periphery. As the infant continues to mature, appositional growth ensues by osteoblasts providing new layers of bone to the outer portion of the cranial bones while osteoclasts resorb the inner framework simultaneously.[7]

Surgical Considerations

Depending upon the specific pathology affecting the anterior fontanelle, surgical intervention may be necessary. For example, an infant with the diagnosis of craniosynostosis (premature cranial suture closure) will have an increase in intracranial pressure, which can lead to devastating brain injury or can even be lethal. Surgical intervention for this specific condition is treated by either a craniotomy or craniectomy, taking special consideration to avoid iatrogenic injury to the superior sagittal sinus.[3] The exact procedure utilized is a decision made on a case-by-case basis.

Clinical Significance

As with any clinical encounter, it is essential to gather a detailed history and perform a thorough physical examination. The clinician will integrate these two aspects of the encounter to determine a proper diagnosis and subsequent management for the patient. A newborn’s birth history may be unremarkable; thus, the physical examination will be of greater significance. Each component of the physical exam: observation, palpation, percussion, and auscultation can yield important findings. Observation of the infant’s skull should be performed first during the physical examination. It should be evaluated for its morphology, including size and shape, as well as its circumference and related sutures, noting any abnormalities. Many conditions are associated with a large anterior fontanelle or a delay in its closure[6]:

Next, the anterior and posterior fontanelles merit special attention, documenting their size and shape by direct observation and palpation. Optimal results occur when the infant is pleasant and agreeable, as the fontanelle can appear to be bulging or full in an angry or crying infant. The clinician should also examine the infant in both the supine and upright positions. A normal soft pulsation may be palpable at the anterior fontanelle. If the fontanelle feels tense and protuberant, it may be an indication of underlying pathology. Palpation of a bulging fontanelle often correlates palpating an osseous structure. Several medical conditions that are associated with a bulging fontanelle are the following categorized by organ systems:

Neurological
- Hydrocephalus, brain tumors, intracranial hemorrhage
Cardiovascular
- Congestive heart failure, dural sinus thrombosis
Hematologic
- Polycythemia, anemia, leukemia
Infectious
- Meningitis, encephalitis, roseola, shigella, mononucleosis, poliomyelitis, abscess
Endocrine
- Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, pseudohypoparathyroidism
Metabolic
- Diabetic ketoacidosis, electrolyte abnormalities, uremia, galactosemia, hypophosphatasia, osteoporosis
Miscellaneous
- Trauma, hypoxemia, dermoid cysts, lead encephalopathy, aluminum toxicity, hypervitaminosis A, coronal synostosis

During the physical examination of the infant with increased intracranial pressure, the percussion of the fontanelle may produce a dull acoustic note that lacks resonance; this is the Macewen sign. Macewen sign is an auditory sign that resembles the sound of percussing a cracked pot when the examiner percusses the fontanelle; hence it was also termed the “cracked pot” sign.[11] However, it is worth noting that excessive crying may also produce a bulging fontanelle. Thus, it is important to use clinical judgment before providing a definitive diagnosis. Auscultation of the fontanelles may reveal a bruit, especially in infants with heart failure or multiple hemangiomas. The detection of a bruit in newborns may suggest an arteriovenous malformation, and further workup is warranted. If medical imaging is necessary, ultrasound is the modality of choice to visualize ventricular structures, while neoplasms are best diagnosed with an MRI.[12][13]

Other Issues

As a healthcare professional tasked with the care of newborns or infants, an understanding of normal fontanelle morphology, variations, and average closure timelines is essential. Many medical conditions can affect fontanelle morphology and may be life-threatening. A complete history and physical examination with particular attention to the analysis of the fontanelles can provide valuable insight into the infant’s health status and assist in formulating an appropriate differential diagnosis. If uncertainty arises, it is imperative to consult the pediatric neurosurgery team to be involved in the infant’s care.

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Figure

Superior and lateral view of the newborn skull and its fontanels. Contributed by Gray Plates 197 & 198

References

1.: Adeyemo AA, Omotade OO. Variation in fontanelle size with gestational age. Early Hum Dev. 1999 Apr;54(3):207-14. [PubMed: 10321787]
2.: Popich GA, Smith DW. Fontanels: range of normal size. J Pediatr. 1972 May;80(5):749-52. [PubMed: 5018385]
3.: D'Antoni AV, Donaldson OI, Schmidt C, Macchi V, De Caro R, Oskouian RJ, Loukas M, Shane Tubbs R. A comprehensive review of the anterior fontanelle: embryology, anatomy, and clinical considerations. Childs Nerv Syst. 2017 Jun;33(6):909-914. [PubMed: 28396968]
4.: Faix RG. Fontanelle size in black and white term newborn infants. J Pediatr. 1982 Feb;100(2):304-6. [PubMed: 7057341]
5.: Duc G, Largo RH. Anterior fontanel: size and closure in term and preterm infants. Pediatrics. 1986 Nov;78(5):904-8. [PubMed: 3763303]
6.: Rothman SM, Lee BC. What bulges under a bulging fontanel? Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1998 Jan;152(1):100-1. [PubMed: 9452720]
7.: Kiesler J, Ricer R. The abnormal fontanel. Am Fam Physician. 2003 Jun 15;67(12):2547-52. [PubMed: 12825844]
8.: Mackenzie A, Shann F, Barnes G. Clinical signs of dehydration in children. Lancet. 1989 Dec 23-30;2(8678-8679):1529-30. [PubMed: 2574808]
9.: Esmaeili M, Esmaeili M, Ghane Sharbaf F, Bokharaie S. Fontanel Size from Birth to 24 Months of Age in Iranian Children. Iran J Child Neurol. 2015 Fall;9(4):15-23. [PMC free article: PMC4670973] [PubMed: 26664437]
10.: Chemke J, Robinson A. The third fontanelle. J Pediatr. 1969 Oct;75(4):617-22. [PubMed: 4241462]
11.: Alexander E, Davis CH. Macewen's sign--"the cracked pot sound". Surg Neurol. 1987 Jun;27(6):519-22. [PubMed: 3554568]
12.: Machado HR, Martelli N, Assirati Júnior JA, Colli BO. Infantile hydrocephalus: brain sonography as an effective tool for diagnosis and follow-up. Childs Nerv Syst. 1991 Aug;7(4):205-10. [PubMed: 1933916]
13.: Ruge JR, Tomita T, Naidich TP, Hahn YS, McLone DG. Scalp and calvarial masses of infants and children. Neurosurgery. 1988 Jun;22(6 Pt 1):1037-42. [PubMed: 3419565]

Anatomy, Head and Neck, Fontanelles - StatPearls

Brody J. Lipsett; Vamsi Reddy; Kim Steanson.

Author Information

Last Update: July 25, 2022.

Introduction

At birth, the newborn's skull consists of five major bones (two frontal, two parietal, and one occipital) that are separated by connective tissue junctions known as cranial sutures. [1] The sutures function as seams, and they are highly necessary to facilitate the movement and molding of the cranium through the birth canal during labor. They also allow for rapid postnatal growth and development of the brain. However, the bones that shape the cranium begin unfused, leaving several gaps between the individual bones of the infant's skull. These gaps are composed of membranous connective tissue and are known as fontanelles.

Structure and Function

Anterior Fontanelle

The average closure time of the anterior fontanelle ranges from 13 to 24 months. [3] Infants of African descent statically have larger fontanelles that range from 1.4 to 4.7 cm, and in terms of sex, the fontanelles of male infants will closer sooner compared to female infants.[4][5] The most common conditions associated with a large anterior fontanelle or a delay in its closure are as listed: Down syndrome, achondroplasia, congenital hypothyroidism, rickets, and elevated intracranial pressures.[6] An extensive list of conditions associated with these findings will follow in the clinical significance section of this article.

In addition to being the largest, the anterior fontanelle is also the most important clinically.[7] This structure offers insight into the newborn’s state of health, especially hydration and intracranial pressure status. A sunken fontanelle is primarily due to dehydration. Other clinical indicators that support the diagnosis of dehydration are dry mucous membranes, sunken eyes, poor tear production, decreased peripheral perfusion, and lack of wet diapers. [8] Furthermore, a bulging fontanelle may indicate a rise in intracranial pressure, suggesting multiple pathologies: hydrocephalus, hypoxemia, meningitis, trauma, or hemorrhage. The clinical significance section will highlight an extensive but not complete list of differential diagnoses of a bulging anterior fontanelle.

Posterior Fontanelle

Unlike the anterior fontanelle, the posterior fontanelle is triangular and completely closes within about six to eight weeks after birth.[7] This structure arises from the juncture of the parietal lobes and occipital lobe. Through this placement, the lambdoid suture forms. On average, the posterior fontanelle is 0.5 cm in Caucasian infants and 0.7 cm infants of African descent.[4] Often, the delayed closure of the posterior fontanelle is associated with hydrocephalus or congenital hypothyroidism.[9]

Mastoid Fontanelle

Sphenoid Fontanelle

Third Fontanel

Embryology

Surgical Considerations

Depending upon the specific pathology affecting the anterior fontanelle, surgical intervention may be necessary. For example, an infant with the diagnosis of craniosynostosis (premature cranial suture closure) will have an increase in intracranial pressure, which can lead to devastating brain injury or can even be lethal. Surgical intervention for this specific condition is treated by either a craniotomy or craniectomy, taking special consideration to avoid iatrogenic injury to the superior sagittal sinus. [3] The exact procedure utilized is a decision made on a case-by-case basis.

Clinical Significance

Neurological
- Hydrocephalus, brain tumors, intracranial hemorrhage
Cardiovascular
- Congestive heart failure, dural sinus thrombosis
Hematologic
- Polycythemia, anemia, leukemia
Infectious
- Meningitis, encephalitis, roseola, shigella, mononucleosis, poliomyelitis, abscess
Endocrine
- Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, pseudohypoparathyroidism
Metabolic
- Diabetic ketoacidosis, electrolyte abnormalities, uremia, galactosemia, hypophosphatasia, osteoporosis
Miscellaneous
- Trauma, hypoxemia, dermoid cysts, lead encephalopathy, aluminum toxicity, hypervitaminosis A, coronal synostosis

Other Issues

Review Questions

Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.
Comment on this article.

Figure

Superior and lateral view of the newborn skull and its fontanels. Contributed by Gray Plates 197 & 198

References

1.: Adeyemo AA, Omotade OO. Variation in fontanelle size with gestational age. Early Hum Dev. 1999 Apr;54(3):207-14. [PubMed: 10321787]
2.: Popich GA, Smith DW. Fontanels: range of normal size. J Pediatr. 1972 May;80(5):749-52. [PubMed: 5018385]
3.: D'Antoni AV, Donaldson OI, Schmidt C, Macchi V, De Caro R, Oskouian RJ, Loukas M, Shane Tubbs R. A comprehensive review of the anterior fontanelle: embryology, anatomy, and clinical considerations. Childs Nerv Syst. 2017 Jun;33(6):909-914. [PubMed: 28396968]
4.: Faix RG. Fontanelle size in black and white term newborn infants. J Pediatr. 1982 Feb;100(2):304-6. [PubMed: 7057341]
5.: Duc G, Largo RH. Anterior fontanel: size and closure in term and preterm infants. Pediatrics. 1986 Nov;78(5):904-8. [PubMed: 3763303]
6.: Rothman SM, Lee BC. What bulges under a bulging fontanel? Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1998 Jan;152(1):100-1. [PubMed: 9452720]
7.: Kiesler J, Ricer R. The abnormal fontanel. Am Fam Physician. 2003 Jun 15;67(12):2547-52. [PubMed: 12825844]
8.: Mackenzie A, Shann F, Barnes G. Clinical signs of dehydration in children. Lancet. 1989 Dec 23-30;2(8678-8679):1529-30. [PubMed: 2574808]
9.: Esmaeili M, Esmaeili M, Ghane Sharbaf F, Bokharaie S. Fontanel Size from Birth to 24 Months of Age in Iranian Children. Iran J Child Neurol. 2015 Fall;9(4):15-23. [PMC free article: PMC4670973] [PubMed: 26664437]
10.: Chemke J, Robinson A. The third fontanelle. J Pediatr. 1969 Oct;75(4):617-22. [PubMed: 4241462]
11.: Alexander E, Davis CH. Macewen's sign--"the cracked pot sound". Surg Neurol. 1987 Jun;27(6):519-22. [PubMed: 3554568]
12.: Machado HR, Martelli N, Assirati Júnior JA, Colli BO. Infantile hydrocephalus: brain sonography as an effective tool for diagnosis and follow-up. Childs Nerv Syst. 1991 Aug;7(4):205-10. [PubMed: 1933916]
13.: Ruge JR, Tomita T, Naidich TP, Hahn YS, McLone DG. Scalp and calvarial masses of infants and children. Neurosurgery. 1988 Jun;22(6 Pt 1):1037-42. [PubMed: 3419565]

Fontanelle in a newborn

Fontanelles are non-ossified areas between the bones of the skull. By the time of birth, the baby has 6 fontanelles:

front (large) - has a diamond shape, its size is from 0. 6 to 3.6 cm (average 2.1)
back (small) - its dimensions are about 0.5 cm
paired lateral: wedge and mastoid

The size of the fontanelles is determined by a large number of factors: gestational age, hereditary predisposition, metabolic state, the presence of diseases, and other components. nine0003

What are fontanelles for?

They allow the movement of the bones of the skull and the reshaping of the head for safe passage through the birth canal.

Mothers who have given birth naturally remember what a strange head shape the baby had after birth, and how it became normal after 3-5 days.

Nature designed it so that the bones of the skull during childbirth would not damage the brain, and the baby would not get stuck in the birth canal at birth. nine0003

What about skull growth?

It may be surprising, but the brain does not grow behind the bones of the skull, but the cranium increases due to the active growth of the brain. This process is especially active in the first two years of a child's life.

At the same time, the growth of the skull does not occur due to an increase in fontanelles, but due to the growth of each individual bone and the elongation of the sutures (the boundaries of the connection of the bones). If the suture between the frontal bones closes at an average of 2 years, then the remaining sutures remain open until the age of 18-20, until the end of brain growth. nine0003

Everything is individual, and the speed of closing the fontanelles depends on the characteristics of the baby. The norm is the closure of a large fontanel at 3 months. This fact must be compared with monthly increases in head circumference.

Normal indicators of fontanel closure:

large - 3 to 24 months (average 13.8)
small - up to 2 months
lateral in full-term babies at birth are mostly closed. nine0006

Important nuances:

Vitamin D supplementation and maternal diet have no effect on fontanel closure rate
the speed of closing the large fontanel is determined by the individual characteristics of the child
if the fontanelles close early, you need to monitor monthly increases in head circumference
early closure of fontanelles with a slowdown in the growth of head circumference requires careful examination by a pediatrician to rule out microcephaly

Fontanelles are an important indicator of the rate of brain growth. Therefore, the time of their closure requires supervision by a pediatrician or pediatric neurologist.

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Large fontanel in newborns. Examination IPM Clinic for Children Krasnoyarsk

26.07.2017

The birth of a baby is a very important and joyful event in the life of young parents. After birth, there are a lot of questions about the health, care and proper development of the baby. The very first questions are often asked about the fontanel.

Fontanelle - soft, non-ossified area of the cranial vault of newborn babies, consisting of the remnants of the membranous skeleton and connecting the bones of the skull. In the area of the fontanelles, a pulsation of the arteries of the brain and membranes is felt, which is why these areas are called pulsating, gushing. Fontanelles allow you to “compress” the cranial vault during childbirth for a better passage of the baby through the birth canal. Four of them close in the first days of a child's life, the fifth in the second month of life, and the sixth, the largest (anterior), closes from 3 to 24 or more months. Very often, fontanelles and the pace of their closure cause great concern to parents. nine0003

Role of the fontanel:

The growth of the skull bones depends on the growth of the brain. The fontanelles provide elasticity to the skull during the most rapid growth. This period is from birth to two years of a child's life.
Fontanelles also protect the baby's skull from injury: upon impact, the possibility of elastic deformation of the skull remains, which dampens all the kinetic energy of the impact and protects the child.
The brain of a newborn baby is very sensitive to overheating, and a kind of natural “window” brings excess heat out and naturally cools the meninges, thereby playing an important role in the processes of heat transfer and thermoregulation of the body. nine0006

The size of the anterior (large) fontanel varies greatly. On average, the normal size of the fontanel at birth is 3.0 * 2.5 cm, it has a diamond shape.

As the baby actively grows and develops, the free space between the bones gradually hardens and decreases in size, the pulsation becomes almost imperceptible.

The timing of fontanel closure may vary. On average, complete closure occurs by the year (normally also up to two years).

When the fontanelle closes too slowly, the parents start to worry. But premature closure also does not speak well. nine0003

Causes of the “big” fontanel:

- Achondroplasia (hereditary disease)

- Down Syndrome

- Hydracephaly

- Premature birth

- Neonatal Hypoteriosis

- Rachit

Rachitis is one of the most common rickets. slow closure of the fontanel. Most often, rickets develops in premature babies and in children who do not receive preventive treatment with vitamin D. In a child with rickets, the edges of a large fontanel are flexible, the back of the head flattens, and characteristic bone thickenings form on both sides of the sternum. nine0003

The change in the appearance of the fontanel also indicates a number of certain problems: