0
The "soft spot" is the area on top of the head where the bones of the skull have not quite joined. During pregnancy, the skull develops sort of like a jigsaw puzzle; it's not all one bone, but rather many bones that eventually meet and fuse. Some bones meet and fuse before the baby is born. Others fuse after birth to allow room for the brain's tremendous growth over the first year. More than 50 percent of the total growth of the head occurs in this first year of life. If all the bones fused early, there would be no room for the brain as it grows.
There are often several "soft spots" present at birth, but most are so small and last for so little time, that parents are unaware of them. But by two months, only two of these spots should be present:
- The smaller is the posterior fontanel, on the back part of the top of the head. It's usually difficult to find at two months of age and should be completely gone (because the bones have fused) by four months.
- The anterior fontanel is the one most parents recognize as the soft spot. It's on top of the head toward the front. Four bones come together at this spot, but, because of their rounded corners, they don't quite meet. This soft spot may close as early as nine months of age or as late as two years. The average is between 12 to 14 months.
So, what does it mean when the soft spot seems to have closed up early? Most of the time, it means that it is still present but is difficult to feel because a tough, fibrous cartilage membrane develops over the soft spot as it is closing. This membrane can make it difficult to determine if the soft spot is still open.
However, if the soft spot does indeed close early, it could be a condition called craniosynostosis, which can cause some problems. Craniosynostosis occurs in about one in 2,500 babies and usually requires surgery. If left untreated, compression of the brain may eventually occur and the other bones of the skull become deformed as they grow. This may cause vision difficulties and significant disfigurement of the face.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Why is Christs head on Right hand side on the Cross?
Because the left side is considered evil for some reason.
Why does all the joints on left side of my body crack and are stiff and ache from head to toe?
i have the same problem and im 24 years old
What are facts pertaining to the left side of your body?
The left side of your brain is your creative, logic side. So your left side of your body is the side that make you think about logic and gives you good creativity.
Is the m50 mask carrier is worn on the left side of the body?
LEFT side.
Whats on the left side opposite of the appendix?
You have spleen with the artery and vein to the spleen. Then there is tail of pancreas. Then you have left colic flexure on the left side of the stomach. On the left and back side, you have left kidney and the left adrenal gland.
Where is the manifold on a 91 Nissan 300zx?
There are two, they are bolted to the left side of the left head and the right side of the right head.
Can dry eyes cause tingling on the left side of head and hands?
No. Dry eyes do not cause tingling of the left side of head and hands.
What supplies blood to the left side of the head?
The left carotid artery
Where on Harry Judds head is his scar?
Harry Judd got the scar on the side of his head by walking into a window when he was young.
Sharp head pain on the left?
i have pain on my left side shoulder,neck ear and head . What could be causing this?
What is the medical term meaning the left side of the front of the head?
Left anterior cephalon
What part of the brain does OCD effect?
the left side of your head
What side is cylinder 1 on a 2004 Chevy Tahoe?
Left, Standing in the front of the engine it will be the first spark plug up front in the drivers side head. If you are sitting in the seat it would be the left , drivers side head.
What evidence is left of the occupants of the house in there will come soft rains?
Their silhouettes are burned into the side of the building.
Do adults have soft spots?
An adult soft spot is usually a soft spot found on the side of the skull, instead of the fontanel that are found in an infant's skull. What the adult soft spot does, it actually supports the skull; avoiding a severe head injury.
Where is brain located either on right side or left?
middle of the head
Why is the left side of your fore-head sore just above your eye?
The left side of your forehead could have been struck by an object. You will need to have your head examine to make sure everything is in working order.
