fontanelle
/,fɔntə'nel/ Cách viết khác : (fontanelle) /,fɔntə'nel/
Definition
- 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.
Noun
-
any membranous gap between the bones of the cranium in an infant or fetus
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