Lecture Notes on Fetal Skull

Introduction

• Presenter: Dr. B
• Topic: Overview of the fetal skull structure

Bone Structure

• Fetal skull has similar bones to the adult skull:
  • Frontal bone
  • Parietal bones
  • Occipital bone
  • Temporal bone
  • Sphenoid bone

Key Differences in Fetal Skull

• Incomplete Bone Formation:
  • Bones of the fetal skull are not completely formed.
  • Suture joints are not completely formed.

Fontanels

• Definition: Incomplete bone formations in the fetal skull known as "fontanels."
• Function of Fontanels:
  • Allow the newborn's head to change shape during birth.
  • Facilitate easier passage through the birth canal.
  • Enable rapid brain growth post-birth.

Types of Fontanels

Anterior Fontanel

• Location: Between the frontal and parietal bones.
• Common Name: Soft spot.
• Note: Most noticeable soft spot on a newborn's head.

Posterior Fontanel

• Location: Between the parietal and occipital bones.

Lateral Fontanels

• Anterior Lateral Fontanel:
  • Location: Lateral side of the skull, a pair on each side.
• Posterior Lateral Fontanel:
  • Location: Lateral side of the skull, a pair on each side.

Conclusion

• Fontanels will fill in and suture joints will complete formation after birth.
• Importance: Understanding the structure and function of fontanels is crucial for handling newborns carefully.