SPHENOID FONTANEL Meaning and
Definition
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A sphenoid fontanel, also known as the sphenoidal fontanelle, is a specific type of fontanel found in the human skull. A fontanel is an anatomical feature that refers to a soft spot or area of the skull where the bones have not yet fused together. These areas exist in newborns and young infants, allowing for flexibility and growth of the skull as the brain continues to develop. The sphenoid fontanel is named after the bone it is located in, known as the sphenoid bone.
The sphenoid fontanel is positioned at the junction of the sphenoid, parietal, and temporal bones, which are key structures of the cranium. This fontanel is typically found at the pterion, which is the point where these bones come together during skull development. The sphenoid fontanel is relatively small and triangular in shape, compared to other fontanels in the skull.
During infancy, the sphenoid fontanel may be slightly palpable or detectable as a soft spot on the skull. As the baby grows, the fontanel gradually closes and the bones fuse together, typically fully closing by around 18-24 months of age. The closure of the sphenoid fontanel is an important milestone in the development of the skull and is monitored by healthcare professionals to ensure normal growth and functioning of the head and brain.
Common Misspellings for SPHENOID FONTANEL
- aphenoid fontanel
- zphenoid fontanel
- xphenoid fontanel
- dphenoid fontanel
- ephenoid fontanel
- wphenoid fontanel
- sohenoid fontanel
- slhenoid fontanel
- s-henoid fontanel
- s0henoid fontanel
- spgenoid fontanel
- spbenoid fontanel
- spnenoid fontanel
- spjenoid fontanel
- spuenoid fontanel
- spyenoid fontanel
- sphwnoid fontanel
- sphsnoid fontanel
- sphdnoid fontanel
Etymology of SPHENOID FONTANEL
The word "sphenoid" in "sphenoid fontanel" comes from the Greek word "sphēnoeidēs", which means "wedge-shaped". This refers to the sphenoid bone, a cranial bone found in the skull of many vertebrates, including humans. The sphenoid bone is situated at the base of the skull, behind the eye sockets, and forms part of the floor of the cranial cavity.
The term "fontanel" comes from the Latin word "fontanella", meaning "small fountain". In anatomy, it refers to the soft, membranous gaps between the cranial bones that are present in newborn infants. These fontanels allow for the considerable growth and flexibility of the skull during infancy.
Similar spelling words for SPHENOID FONTANEL
