Skip to content
WebMD: Better information. Better health.
 
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Medical Dictionary

Children's Health

Tools & Resources

Font Size
A
A
A

Skull sutures in infants and fetuses

Illustration copyright 2002 by Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

The skull consists of 5 thin, curved, bony plates that are held together by fibrous material called sutures. These sutures allow a baby's skull to expand with the growing brain. The sutures gradually harden to join the skull bones together. The spaces where sutures meet are called soft spots or fontanelles.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Last Revised January 20, 2010

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: January 20, 2010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

Today in Children’s Health

allergy cream on child
Slideshow
Top Items for Your Allergy Relief Kit
two high school cheerleaders whispering behind gir
Article
Signs Your Child Is Being Bullied
 
How Much Sleep Do Children Need
Article
Is Your Child Getting Enough Sleep?
mosquito bite
Q&A
Can Mosquito Bites Be Dangerous?
 

worried kid
fitArticle
Kids' Top 6 Worries and How to Fix Them
six year old girl
Article
What Causes Bedwetting?
 
Child with red rash on cheeks
Slideshow
Common Skin Problems in Children
mother and daughter talking
Tool
Girls and Puberty: Had the Talk?
 

babyapp
New
Free Healthy Baby App for iPhone
Child with adhd
Slideshow
Symptoms of ADHD in Children
 
rl with friends
fitSlideshow
Help Your Child Feel Good About Herself
Syringes and graph illustration
Tool
Family Vaccine Manager