SPHENOID FONTANELLE Meaning and
Definition
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Sphenoid Fontanelle refers to an anatomical structure found in the human skull. Specifically, it is one of the several fontanelles, which are soft spots located between the bones of a baby's skull. The sphenoid fontanelle is positioned in the midline of the skull, at the intersection of two bones known as the sphenoid bone and the occipital bone.
Fontanelles are essential for the proper growth and development of the infant skull. They serve as areas of connective tissue that remain uncalcified, allowing flexibility and movement during childbirth and throughout the early months of life. The sphenoid fontanelle typically begins to close within about three months after birth, as the bones of the skull slowly fuse together.
The sphenoid fontanelle is relatively smaller compared to the other fontanelles in the skull. Its location is significant as it provides a vital landmark for healthcare professionals during examinations of the infant's head. By observing and palpating the sphenoid fontanelle, doctors can evaluate the baby's neurological development and identify any potential abnormalities or signs of increased intracranial pressure.
Overall, the sphenoid fontanelle plays an important role in the formation and growth of the skull in infants. Its closure marks a significant milestone in the early stages of a baby's development as the bones of the skull gradually solidify and strengthen.
Common Misspellings for SPHENOID FONTANELLE
- aphenoid fontanelle
- zphenoid fontanelle
- xphenoid fontanelle
- dphenoid fontanelle
- ephenoid fontanelle
- wphenoid fontanelle
- sohenoid fontanelle
- slhenoid fontanelle
- s-henoid fontanelle
- s0henoid fontanelle
- spgenoid fontanelle
- spbenoid fontanelle
- spnenoid fontanelle
- spjenoid fontanelle
- spuenoid fontanelle
- spyenoid fontanelle
- sphwnoid fontanelle
- sphsnoid fontanelle
- sphdnoid fontanelle
Etymology of SPHENOID FONTANELLE
The word "sphenoid" in "sphenoid fontanelle" refers to the sphenoid bone, which is a bone located in the skull. The sphenoid bone is a butterfly-shaped bone that sits at the base of the skull, behind the eyes.
The term "fontanelle" comes from the Latin word "fontanella", which means "little fountain". In medical terminology, a fontanelle refers to the soft, membranous gaps between the cranial bones of an infant's skull. These areas allow for flexibility and growth of the skull during infancy and early childhood.
Therefore, the term "sphenoid fontanelle" combines the name of the bone, sphenoid, with the word fontanelle, referring to the specific soft gap present in the sphenoid bone region of an infant's skull.
