[Applied anatomy of the fontanelles].
OBJECTIVE
To make a description of the anatomy of fontanelles and to update what is currently known about their applications.


METHODS
7 cadaveric heads, 2 dry skulls and 2 frontal bones of foetus were used, and 48 anterior fontanelles from paediatric patients with or without associated pathology were examined. Surgical cases and neurosonography were also used. All the structures were measured and subsequently analysed.


RESULTS
The size, structure and limits of the fontanelles were evidenced in the cadaveric head and skulls, as well as the evaluation of paediatric patients and the size of their fontanelles in different pathologies.


CONCLUSIONS
Owing to their anatomical characteristics, fontanelles are a true window to the inside of the skull, which determines their multiple clinical and surgical applications.
Bustamante
J L
JL
Cátedra de Anatomía C, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. jorgeluisbustamante@hotmail.com
Miquelini
L A
LA
D'Agustini
M
M
Fontana
A M
AM
D002102:Cadaver; D002648:Child; D055762:Cranial Fontanelles / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005624:Frontal Bone / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy