fontanel

/ˌˈfɑntnˌˈɛl/

Other forms: fontanels

Definitions of fontanel

1. noun

   any membranous gap between the bones of the cranium in an infant or fetus
   synonyms: fontanelle, soft spot

   types:

   anterior fontanelle

   corresponds to the bregma when bones have ossified

   sphenoid fontanel, sphenoid fontanelle, sphenoidal fontanel, sphenoidal fontanelle

   the irregularly shaped area on either side of the cranium where the frontal bone and the anterior tip of the parietal bone and the temporal bone and the greater wing of the sphenoid bone meet; corresponds to the pterion when bones have ossified

   type of:

   opening, orifice, porta

   an aperture or hole that opens into a bodily cavity