SPHENOIDAL FONTANELLE Meaning and
Definition
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The sphenoidal fontanelle is a anatomical term that refers to a specific area on the skull of an infant, where two bones meet and form a soft spot. More specifically, it is the junction between the sphenoid bone and the paired parietal bones. Fontanelles are membranous gaps that allow for flexibility and growth of the skull during early development.
The sphenoidal fontanelle is typically diamond-shaped and is located towards the back of the head, just above the occipital bone. It is one of the several fontanelles found in newborns, and it is the second largest after the anterior fontanelle, which is located on the top of the head.
The sphenoidal fontanelle serves several important functions. Firstly, it allows for the expansion of the skull as the brain grows rapidly in the first few months of life. It also provides some protection to the brain by acting as a cushion against external forces. Additionally, it enables healthcare professionals to assess the development and fluid balance within the skull by feeling the tension and shape of the fontanelle.
The sphenoidal fontanelle takes several months to close, typically around 3 to 6 months of age. During this time, it gradually ossifies and is replaced by bone as the skull bones fully develop and fuse together. The closure of the sphenoidal fontanelle marks an important milestone in the growth and development of a child.
Common Misspellings for SPHENOIDAL FONTANELLE
- aphenoidal fontanelle
- zphenoidal fontanelle
- xphenoidal fontanelle
- dphenoidal fontanelle
- ephenoidal fontanelle
- wphenoidal fontanelle
- sohenoidal fontanelle
- slhenoidal fontanelle
- s-henoidal fontanelle
- s0henoidal fontanelle
- spgenoidal fontanelle
- spbenoidal fontanelle
- spnenoidal fontanelle
- spjenoidal fontanelle
- spuenoidal fontanelle
- spyenoidal fontanelle
- sphwnoidal fontanelle
- sphsnoidal fontanelle
- sphdnoidal fontanelle
Etymology of SPHENOIDAL FONTANELLE
The term "Sphenoidal Fontanelle" is a medical term used to refer to a specific anatomical structure in the human skull. The etymology of this term can be understood by breaking it down into its components.
1. Sphenoidal: The term "sphenoidal" is derived from the word "sphenoid", which refers to a specific bone in the human skull called the sphenoid bone. The word "sphenoid" comes from the Greek word "sphēn" meaning "wedge" or "wedge-shaped", as the sphenoid bone is roughly wedge-shaped.
2. Fontanelle: Fontanelle is a term used to refer to the "soft spots" on a baby's skull, which are spaces where the cranial bones have not yet fused. In this context, the term is used to describe a similar space or opening in the sphenoid bone of the skull.
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