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Fontanel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fontanel

[หˆfษ’ntษ™หŒnษ›l ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

anatomy, infants

A fontanel, also known as a fontanelle, is a soft spot found on the skull of an infant. These are areas where the cranial bones have not yet fused together, providing flexibility during birth and allowing for rapid brain growth in early life. Fontanels play a crucial role in the development of the skull and brain, and they typically close as the child grows, usually by age 18 months. The most well-known fontanels are located at the top and back of the head.

Synonyms

fontanelle, soft spot.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor checked the baby's fontanel to ensure it was closing properly.
  • Fontanels allow for expansion as the baby's brain grows.
  • Careful monitoring of the fontanel can indicate hydration levels.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Anatomy

  • There are six fontanels on a newborn's head, the most famous being the anterior fontanel at the top, shaped like a diamond.
  • Fontanels allow a baby's skull to be flexible during birth, making it easier to pass through the birth canal.

Cultural Practices

  • In some cultures, the fontanel is seen as a vulnerable area, prompting parents to show special care during early childhood.
  • The soft spot has been subject to various cultural superstitions, where covering it or avoiding pressure was believed to protect health.

Health and Development

  • Pediatricians often monitor the fontanel's closure as an indicator of healthy growth and hydration in infants.
  • The fontanel gradually closes as the child's skull bones grow and fuse, typically completing the process by around 18 months.

Historical Perspectives

  • Historically, the anatomy of a child's fontanel has been documented since ancient times, with references found in texts from Hippocrates.
  • Early medical practitioners used to believe that the soft spot could indicate a childโ€™s overall health, using various methods to assess it.

Language Origins

  • The term 'fontanel' comes from the Middle French word 'fontaine', meaning 'spring' or 'fountain', referring to the 'springing' nature of the soft spot.
  • In medical terminology, 'fontanel' describes not just the head's soft spot but can also refer to similar features in other species, linking all vertebrates.

Origin of 'fontanel'

The term 'fontanel' originates from the Middle French word 'fontanelle', a diminutive form of 'fontaine', which means 'fountain'. This name is derived from the Latin word 'fontana', meaning 'spring' or 'well'. The connection to 'fountain' suggests the idea of a natural source of life or fluidity, reflecting the soft and pliable nature of these areas in an infant's skull. The use of the word in the context of anatomy can be traced back to the early studies of human development and anatomy, focusing on the unique characteristics of infants' skulls. Fontanels are critical in the first stages of life, allowing for both the passage through the birth canal and for further growth as the child develops. Over time, the importance of fontanels in understanding pediatric health has led to increased focus and research in the fields of pediatrics and neurology.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,709, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.