Fetal Skull

Fontanels are soft spots on a baby's skull that allow the head to compress during birth and provide space for brain growth.

1. Anterior (Frontal) Fontanel: Located at the top of the skull between the frontal and parietal bones. It’s the largest fontanel and typically closes around 18-24 months after birth.

2. Posterior (Occipital) Fontanel: Located at the back of the skull between the parietal and occipital bones. It is smaller than the anterior fontanel and usually closes by 2-3 months after birth.

3. Mastoid Fontanel: Located on each side of the skull between the temporal, parietal, and occipital bones. It closes shortly after birth.

4. Sphenoidal Fontanel: Located on each side of the skull between the frontal, parietal, sphenoid, and temporal bones. It also closes shortly after birth.