Fonticulus

Fonticulus

The term "fonticulus" refers to a small anatomical feature, often used in the context of the human skull. In particular, it is associated with the fontanelle, which are soft spots on a baby's skull that allow for growth of the brain and skull during an infant's first year.

Anatomy and Function

In human anatomy, the fonticulus is a crucial component of the neonatal skull. The skull of a newborn is not a single solid bone but is composed of several bony plates separated by sutures and fontanelles. These structures allow for flexibility and growth of the skull as the brain expands rapidly during infancy.

Types of Fonticuli

There are several fonticuli in the human skull, but the most notable are:

• Anterior Fonticulus (Anterior Fontanelle):

 - Located at the junction of the coronal and sagittal sutures.
 - It is the largest fontanelle and typically closes by 18-24 months of age.

• Posterior Fonticulus (Posterior Fontanelle):

 - Found at the junction of the sagittal and lambdoid sutures.
 - It is smaller than the anterior fontanelle and usually closes by 2-3 months of age.

• Sphenoidal Fonticulus (Sphenoidal Fontanelle):

 - Located at the junction of the sphenoid and frontal bones.
 - Closes within the first few months after birth.

• Mastoid Fonticulus (Mastoid Fontanelle):

 - Found at the junction of the temporal, parietal, and occipital bones.
 - Closes within the first year of life.

Clinical Significance

The fonticuli are clinically significant for several reasons:

• Assessment of Development:

 - The size and tension of the fontanelles can provide information about a child's development and health. For example, a sunken fontanelle may indicate dehydration, while a bulging fontanelle could suggest increased intracranial pressure.

• Access for Medical Procedures:

 - Fontanelles provide a window for ultrasound imaging of the brain in infants, allowing for non-invasive assessment of brain structures.

Developmental Changes

As a child grows, the fonticuli gradually ossify and close. This process is part of normal development and is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. The timing of closure can vary among individuals but generally follows a predictable pattern.

Also see

• Fontanelle
• Cranial sutures
• Infant skull development
• Pediatric neurology