The anterior fontanel normally closes within which age range?

The anterior fontanel normally closes within which age range?

• A. 12 to 18 months
• B. 2 to 3 months
• C. 6 to 9 months
• D. 24 to 36 months

Answer: (A)

The anterior fontanel reflects the period of rapid brain growth and skull suturing in infancy. It’s the large soft spot on the top of the head that stays open to allow growth and molding of the skull. As the brain growth slows and the cranial sutures fuse, this fontanel gradually closes. In typical development, it closes between about 12 and 18 months, though some children may close a bit later, up to around 24 months. Closure by 2–3 months would be too early to accommodate the rapid brain growth, while closure by 24–36 months would be later than usual. Therefore, 12 to 18 months is the best fit for normal anterior fontanel closure.

The anterior fontanel reflects the period of rapid brain growth and skull suturing in infancy. It’s the large soft spot on the top of the head that stays open to allow growth and molding of the skull. As the brain growth slows and the cranial sutures fuse, this fontanel gradually closes. In typical development, it closes between about 12 and 18 months, though some children may close a bit later, up to around 24 months. Closure by 2–3 months would be too early to accommodate the rapid brain growth, while closure by 24–36 months would be later than usual. Therefore, 12 to 18 months is the best fit for normal anterior fontanel closure.