Fontanelle: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ผ
fontanelle
[ หfษn.tษหnษl ]
anatomy term
A fontanelle is a soft spot on a baby's skull where the bones have not yet fused together. This region is covered by a tough membrane and allows for growth of the skull as the brain develops. Fontanelles gradually close as the child matures, typically disappearing by the age of two. Indicators of health and development in infants, fontanelles should be monitored for proper growth.
Synonyms
cranial sutures, soft spot.
Examples of usage
- The fontanelle on her baby's head was still soft.
- Pediatricians check the fontanelle during routine exams.
- A sunken fontanelle can indicate dehydration.
Translations
Translations of the word "fontanelle" in other languages:
๐ต๐น fontanela
๐ฎ๐ณ fontanelle
๐ฉ๐ช Fontanelle
๐ฎ๐ฉ fontanel
๐บ๐ฆ ะดะถะตัะตะปััะต
๐ต๐ฑ fontanela
๐ฏ๐ต ๆใใใ้ ญ่้ชจใฎ้จๅ
๐ซ๐ท fontanelle
๐ช๐ธ fontanela
๐น๐ท fontanel
๐ฐ๐ท ์ฒ๋ฌธ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงููุงู
๐จ๐ฟ fontanela
๐ธ๐ฐ fontanela
๐จ๐ณ ๅ้จ
๐ธ๐ฎ fontanela
๐ฎ๐ธ fontanel
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฑะฐััะฐั
๐ฌ๐ช แคแแแขแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ fontanel
๐ฒ๐ฝ fontanela
Etymology
The term 'fontanelle' originates from the French word 'fontanelle', which itself is derived from the Latin 'fontanella', meaning a 'little fountain'. This etymology reflects the notion that these soft spots allow for the room necessary for the 'fountain-like' growth of the skull as the infant's brain expands. Historically, fontanelles have been observed and studied by medical professionals for centuries, providing valuable insights into the growth and development of infants. The understanding of fontanelles has evolved with advancements in medicine, especially in pediatrics, leading to better healthcare practices for monitoring infant health.