Anterior Fontana Bone

The anterior fontanel bone (os fonticuli anterioris) is one of the small bones that may be present in the skull of newborns. This bone is located at the front end of the skull and is part of a temporary bony framework that subsequently undergoes changes and develops as the child grows.

The bone of the anterior fontanel is usually presented in the form of a small lamellar formation, which is located between the bones of the frontal and parietal regions of the skull. It is delicate and fragile, and can often be permeable or have holes. This is due to the fact that the bone of the anterior fontanel is the result of unfused sutures of the skull, characteristic of newborns.

The function of the anterior fontanelle bone is not fully understood. It is considered one of the temporary structures that help the baby’s skull adapt to the birth process and provide flexibility and mobility of the skull. In addition, the anterior fontanel bone may play a role in cushioning and protecting the brain during movement and impact.

In most cases, the anterior fontanel bone naturally heals and disappears within a few months or years after birth. However, in some children, the anterior fontanel bone may remain for a long time or even for life. This condition, known as “persistent anterior fontanel,” is in most cases harmless and does not require medical intervention.

In conclusion, the anterior fontanel bone is a temporary structure that is present in the skull of newborns and plays a role in the adaptation of the cranium to the process of childbirth. This bone usually heals and disappears within the first months or years of a child's life. The exception is cases of persistent anterior fontanel, which, although rare, do not cause serious problems and do not require treatment.