The fontanelles are the separations between the hollows of the baby's skull, joined by cartilaginous tissue. The bone structure of the baby's head is not sealed at the time of birth and during the first months of life, which facilitates both the passage through the birth canal and the distended tension that the organs of the central nervous system (brain, cerebellum and medulla).
In the skull there are several fontanelles, although the most striking are the major fontanel, in the highest part of the head, between the forntal bone and the two parietals; Y the posterior or lamboidea, located above the neck, between the occipital bone and the two parietals.
The fontanelles gradually ossify and then become closed, solid and bony areas. It is usual to be guided by the greater fontanel to assess its ossification and the complete closure of the skull. But when does this closure occur?
Sealing usually occurs, as a rule, between 12 and 18 months. In that period they come together as part of normal growth and the bones of the skull remain fused throughout adulthood.
The posterior fontanel It is smaller and difficult to feel, and it closes earlier, about 3-4 months of age.
If premature closure of the anterior fontanel occurs, it is necessary to go to the specialists to control possible complications due to an imprisonment of the internal cranial organs.
