Skull & Cranial Anatomy
Fonticulus frontalis
The fonticulus frontalis is a temporary fontanelle between the developing frontal and nasal bones in the embryo.
In short: Fonticulus frontalis
- Faulty closure of this area is linked to anterior (sincipital) encephaloceles.
- It is an embryonic structure that normally closes.
- It relates to the foramen cecum region.
- It is part of how anterior encephaloceles are thought to form.
What it is
It is a temporary embryonic gap between the developing frontal and nasal bones at the front of the skull. It normally closes during development.
Understanding Fonticulus frontalis
During development, this area normally closes; problems here are part of how anterior encephaloceles are thought to form, in the region of the nearby foramen cecum. Because anterior (sincipital) encephaloceles arise at the forehead-nose-eye junction, the developmental behavior of this area helps explain their location.
Why it matters
Understanding the fonticulus frontalis helps explain why anterior encephaloceles occur where they do, connecting the location of the lesion to a specific step in early development.
Common questions
Is it permanent?
No — it is a temporary embryonic structure.
Why does it matter?
Faulty closure is linked to anterior encephaloceles.
What is nearby?
The foramen cecum.
Bottom line
The fonticulus frontalis is an embryonic front-skull gap whose faulty closure is linked to anterior encephaloceles.
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