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Fontanel for Dummies

noun

pronunciation: ,fɑn'tənɛl

What does Fontanel really mean?

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Alright, so the word "fontanel" might sound a little bit tricky at first, but it's actually not as complicated as it seems. Let's break it down together, okay?

So, a fontanel is a soft spot on a baby's head where the bones of the skull haven't quite grown together yet. It's kind of like a little gap or space that allows the baby's head to move and flex as they're growing. You can feel it when you gently touch the top of a baby's head – it feels kind of like a slightly indented area with a bit of give to it.

Now, there are actually a few different fontanels on a baby's head, but the most well-known one is called the "anterior fontanel." This is the spot right at the top front of the head, and it's usually the largest and most noticeable fontanel. There are also smaller fontanels at the back and sides of the head, but they're not as prominent.

The fontanels are really important because they allow the baby's brain and skull to grow and develop properly during the first year or so of their life. As the baby gets older, these soft spots gradually close up and the skull becomes fully formed and solid.

Think of the fontanel like a little window into the baby's growing brain – it's a sign of the amazing changes and developments happening inside their head. And just like a window lets light and fresh air into a room, the fontanel allows for the baby's brain to expand and mature without any restrictions from the bones of the skull.

So, there you have it – a fontanel is simply a soft spot on a baby's head that helps their brain and skull grow and develop. It's a totally natural and normal part of being a baby, and it's nothing to worry about. Isn't it fascinating how our bodies are designed to change and grow in such incredible ways?

Revised and Fact checked by Olivia White on 2023-11-15 13:30:02

Fontanel In a sentece

Learn how to use Fontanel inside a sentece

  • When a baby is born, they have soft spots on their head called fontanels where the skull bones haven't yet fully grown together.
  • The doctor will check the fontanel to make sure the baby's head is developing properly.
  • Be careful when holding a baby near their fontanel, as it's a sensitive area.
  • During a medical exam, the doctor may gently press on the fontanel to check for any abnormalities.
  • Babies' fontanels usually close by the time they are 18 months old, as the skull bones fuse together.

Fontanel Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

Fontanel Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.

Fontanel Hyponyms

Words that are more specific than the original word.

Fontanel Holonyms

The larger whole to which this word belongs.