Which fontanel is the last to fuse

The larger spot toward the front often closes around age 18 months. It's normally slightly depressed and pulsates. Soft spots are covered by a thick fibrous layer and are safe to gently touch. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.

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Citation, DOI and article data. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Varma R, Williams SD. Updated by: Neil K. Editorial team. Cranial sutures. Cranial sutures are fibrous bands of tissue that connect the bones of the skull. An infant's skull is made up of 6 separate cranial skull bones: Frontal bone Occipital bone Two parietal bones Two temporal bones These bones are held together by strong, fibrous, elastic tissues called sutures.

Two fontanelles usually are present on a newborn's skull: On the top of the middle head, just forward of center anterior fontanelle In the back of the middle of the head posterior fontanelle The posterior fontanelle usually closes by age 1 or 2 months.

It may already be closed at birth. The anterior fontanelle usually closes sometime between 9 months and 18 months.

Alternative Names. Skull of a newborn Fontanelles.