Fontanels, also known as "soft spots," are spaces between the bones of a newborns skull where bone formation is not yet complete. There are six fontanels present during infancy, but the most notable ones are the anterior and posterior fontanelles. Fontanelle morphology may vary between infants, but characteristically they are flat and firm. Fontanelles allow for growth of the brain and skull during an infants first year. Certain conditions such as dehydration or infection can alter the appearance of the fontanelles, causing them to sink or bulge, respectively.

Here are some key points about fontanels:

• There are six fontanels present during infancy, but the most notable ones are the anterior and posterior fontanelles.
• Fontanelles allow for growth of the brain and skull during an infants first year.
• Certain conditions such as dehydration or infection can alter the appearance of the fontanelles, causing them to sink or bulge, respectively.
• Fontanelle morphology may vary between infants, but characteristically they are flat and firm.
• The anterior fontanelle remains soft until about 18 months to 2 years of age, while the posterior fontanelle usually closes first, before the anterior fontanelle, during the first several months of an infants life.

It is important for healthcare professionals tasked with the care of newborns or infants to have an understanding of normal fontanelle morphology, variations, and average closure timelines, as many medical conditions can affect fontanelle morphology and may be life-threatening. A complete history and physical examination with particular attention to the analysis of the fontanelles can provide valuable information.