What is a fontanelle in a newborn?

A fontanelle refers to the soft spot between the cranial bones of a newborn, specifically the areas on the baby’s head where the skull bones have not yet fully fused together. These soft spots consist of a tough membrane that covers the gaps in the skull, allowing for flexibility during childbirth and accommodating the rapid growth of the infant’s brain during the first year of life.

Understanding fontanelles is important for assessing the growth and development of a newborn, as well as for monitoring for any potential issues. Knowing that this soft spot eventually closes as the child grows is also critical for caregivers and healthcare professionals in their clinical assessments. The other choices, while related to the body, do not accurately define what a fontanelle is.