Skull & Cranial Anatomy
Fontanelle (soft spot)
A fontanelle is a soft, membrane-covered gap between a baby's skull bones that allows the skull to grow.
In short: Fontanelle (soft spot)
- A bulging fontanelle can be a sign of increased pressure.
- Fontanelles are normal and close as a baby grows.
- They are checked during follow-up for signs of hydrocephalus.
- They are different from the abnormal opening of an encephalocele.
What it is
It is a soft spot between the skull bones of an infant, covered by a tough membrane. Fontanelles are a normal feature that lets the skull flex and grow.
Understanding Fontanelle (soft spot)
Examining the fontanelle helps detect rising intracranial pressure, which is important in babies with encephalocele who may develop hydrocephalus — a tense or bulging fontanelle can be an early warning sign. Fontanelles close on their own as a baby grows. Importantly, they are normal openings, distinct from the abnormal skull defect that causes an encephalocele.
Why it matters
Understanding the fontanelle helps families recognize why the team checks the soft spot at visits, and why a bulging fontanelle is something to report — it can signal rising pressure from hydrocephalus.
Common questions
Is a soft spot normal?
Yes — fontanelles are normal in babies.
Why check it?
A bulging fontanelle can indicate pressure.
Is it the same as an encephalocele opening?
No — it is a normal feature, not a defect.
Bottom line
A fontanelle is a baby's normal soft spot, checked because bulging can signal rising pressure.
Browse all 265 Encephalocele definitions
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