Infant Anatomy Norms
CRANIAL ANATOMY
The newborn skull is comprised of 6 bones: the frontal bone, 2 temporal bones, 2 parietal bones, and the occipital bone. These bones are joined by sutures, a fibrous, elastic connective tissue. The anterior and posterior fontanels, or soft spots, are membranous tissue. The posterior fontanel closes between 1-2 months of age while the anterior fontanel remains open until 9-18 months of age. The sutures allow the skull bones to move during the birthing process and accomodate rapid brain growth during the first year. These sutures begin to close, becoming boney tissue, approximately 12-18 months of age. Head shape changes that occur during birth, generally resolve during the first few weeks of life. But sometimes, external forces before and after birth can lead to head shape issues.
The newborn skull is comprised of 6 bones: the frontal bone, 2 temporal bones, 2 parietal bones, and the occipital bone. These bones are joined by sutures, a fibrous, elastic connective tissue. The anterior and posterior fontanels, or soft spots, are membranous tissue. The posterior fontanel closes between 1-2 months of age while the anterior fontanel remains open until 9-18 months of age. The sutures allow the skull bones to move during the birthing process and accomodate rapid brain growth during the first year. These sutures begin to close, becoming boney tissue, approximately 12-18 months of age. Head shape changes that occur during birth, generally resolve during the first few weeks of life. But sometimes, external forces before and after birth can lead to head shape issues.
