fontanelle

/,fɔntə'nel/ Cách viết khác : (fontanelle) /,fɔntə'nel/

Thân thiện

A baby's fontanelle gently pulses as she sleeps.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A soft membranous gap between the cranial bones of an infant or fetus: A fontanelle is a soft, non-bony space covered by a tough membrane, located where several skull bones meet. It allows for the compression of the head during birth and for the rapid brain growth that occurs after birth.

Usage

• Fontanelles are typically discussed in medical, pediatric, or parental contexts concerning infant health and development.
• The term is used to describe the anatomical feature itself or its condition (e.g., sunken or bulging).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The pediatrician gently palpated the baby's anterior fontanelle during the check-up.
  • A sunken fontanelle can be a sign of dehydration in an infant.
  • The posterior fontanelle usually closes much earlier than the larger anterior one.

Advanced Usage

• "Bulging fontanelle": A fontanelle that appears tense or protrudes, which can indicate increased intracranial pressure.
  • A bulging fontanelle is a serious symptom that requires immediate medical attention.
• "Sunken fontanelle": A fontanelle that appears depressed, often a sign of dehydration.
  • The doctor noted the sunken fontanelle and recommended giving the baby more fluids.

Variants and Related Words

• Fontanel: An alternative spelling of "fontanelle." Both spellings are correct.
  • The chart noted the size of the infant's fontanel.
• Soft spot: A common, non-medical synonym for fontanelle.
  • Be careful when you wash the baby's head over the soft spot.

Synonyms

• Soft spot: The informal, layperson's term for a fontanelle.
• Cranial gap: A more general descriptive term, though less commonly used.

Related Phrases

• Anterior fontanelle: The larger, diamond-shaped fontanelle at the top front of an infant's skull. It is the most prominent and usually closes between 12 to 18 months of age.
• Posterior fontanelle: The smaller, triangular fontanelle at the back of an infant's skull. It typically closes by about 2 months of age.

Học thuật

Noun

1. any membranous gap between the bones of the cranium in an infant or fetus

Từ đồng nghĩa

• fontanel
• soft spot