Fontanelle for Dummies

Hey there! So, "fontanelle" is a word used to describe the soft spot on a baby's head. When babies are born, their skulls haven't fully grown together yet, so they have these soft spots on their heads. It's kind of like having a space for growth, just like how a plant needs room to grow. These soft spots are important because they allow the baby's brain to grow and develop during the first few months of life.

There are actually two main fontanelles on a baby's head. The larger one is at the top of the head, and the smaller one is towards the back. These spots can feel a bit scary because they're so soft, but they're actually very protective. You can gently touch the fontanelles, but it's important to be careful and gentle, just like how you would handle a delicate flower or a fragile toy.

As the baby grows, the fontanelles will gradually close up as the skull bones grow and fuse together. This process is like how a puzzle comes together, with all the pieces fitting in perfectly. Once the fontanelles are fully closed, the baby's skull will be nice and strong, ready to protect their brain as they grow into a big kid.
So, in simple terms, fontanelle means the soft spot on a baby's head where the skull bones haven't grown together yet, allowing room for the brain to grow and develop. It's like nature's way of giving babies a safe space for their heads to grow. Cool, right?

I hope that helps you understand what fontanelle means! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Learning new words can be tricky, but I know you can do it! Keep on asking questions and learning new things. See you in class!