Which term refers to the soft spot on an infant’s skull?

• A. Fontanelle
• B. Caput Succedaneum
• C. Vernix
• D. Meconium

Answer: (A)

The soft spot on an infant’s skull is called a fontanelle. Fontanelles are membranous gaps between the cranial bones that allow the skull to be flexible during birth and to accommodate rapid brain growth in infancy. The most notable is the anterior fontanelle, which stays open for many months and typically closes around 12–18 months, though timing varies. Recognizing fontanelles helps clinicians assess normal development and hydration or signs of increased intracranial pressure when they’re bulging or sunken.

Caput succedaneum refers to diffuse scalp swelling from birth pressure and crosses suture lines, vernix is the waxy protective coating on newborn skin, and meconium is the newborn’s first, thick, tar-like stool.