Mastoid fontanelle

Mastoid fontanelle is a small, triangular depression located in the human skull. It is one of the six fontanelles present in a newborn's skull, which are soft spots that allow for rapid growth of the brain during the first year of life. The mastoid fontanelle is located at the junction of the temporal bone, parietal bone, and occipital bone.

Anatomy

The mastoid fontanelle is located posterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle and anterior to the mastoid process. It is bordered by the mastoid part of the temporal bone anteriorly, the occipital bone posteriorly, and the parietal bone superiorly. The mastoid fontanelle is typically the smallest of the fontanelles and closes within the first few months after birth.

File:Mastoid fontanelle.jpg

The mastoid fontanelle is located at the junction of the temporal, parietal, and occipital bones.

Clinical significance

The mastoid fontanelle, like other fontanelles, can provide important clinical information. A bulging mastoid fontanelle may indicate increased intracranial pressure, while a sunken mastoid fontanelle may suggest dehydration. In addition, the mastoid fontanelle can be used as a landmark for certain medical procedures, such as lumbar punctures.

See also

• Anterior fontanelle
• Posterior fontanelle
• Sphenoidal fontanelle
• Fontanelle