11: Head

Question 1

Located at the junction of the sagittal and coronal sutures, diamond-shaped, and measuring from 4 to 6 cm at the largest diameter.

Answer 1

Anterior fontanelle

Question 2

Located at the junction of the lambdoid and sagittal sutures; usually triangular-shaped and barely admits a fingertip.

Answer 2

Posterior fontanelle

Question 3

An occasional finding; a soft “ping-pong ball” effect of the skull bones (usually the parietal bones). It is most commonly found in dysmature infants.

Answer 3

Craniotabes

Question 4

A localized congenital absence of skin on the scalp. Lesions may be solitary or multiple and are located just lateral to the midline.

Answer 4

Cutis aplasia

Question 5

Name the fontanelles.

Answer 5

Anterior
Posterior
3rd fontanelle (not always present: may be associated with congenital anomalies)

Question 6

A temporary asymmetry of the skull resulting from the birth process; most often seen with prolonged labor. It is more common with vaginal delivery, although it may occur in C-section delivery if labor is prolonged.

Answer 6

Molding

Question 7

A premature closure of one or more sutures of the skull; it should be considered in an infant with an asymmetric skull where the mobility of the sutures seems restricted. On palpation of the skull, a bony ridge may be felt over the suture line, and it may not be possible to move the cranial bones freely.

Answer 7

Craniosynostosis

Question 8

What does a depressed fontanelle signify?

Answer 8

Late sign of dehydration

Question 9

A bleeding that may feel crepitant, with less pitting than the edema of caput succedaneum. May require emergency transfusion.

Answer 9

Subgaleal hematoma

Question 10

Name the 4 sutures.

Answer 10

Coronal
Lamboidal
Sagittal
Frontal (Metopic)

Question 11

Strong, flexible fibrous tissue connecting the five major bones of the skull.

Answer 11

Sutures