Fetal Skull Flashcards
What is the vault separated by?
Sutures and fontanelles
Define the word fontanelle
A space between the bones of the skill in a fetus. This is where ossification is not complete.
Formed where 2 or more sutures meet
Name the 3 different bones of the vault and the amounts of each one
2x frontal bones (forms the forehead and sinciput)
2x parietal bones (lie on either side of the skull)
1x occipital bone (lies at the back of the head)
Why is it a good thing that the vault bones aren’t joined together?
It’s allows the fetal skull to change in shape whilst coming down and out of the birth canal
Name the 3 sections of the fetal skull
- The Vault
- The Base
- The Face
How many small bones is the face composed of?
14
Name the 3 key ossification centres on the skull
- Occipital protuberance
- Parietal eminence
- Frontal eminence
Define the term suture
A cranial joint formed where 2 bones meet
Where is the ossification centre for the occipital bone?
Occipital protuberance
Where is the ossification centre for the 2 parietal bones?
Parietal eminence
Where is the ossification centre for the 2 frontal bones?
Frontal eminence
What is ossification?
The process involved in laying down of the bones of the vault from the ossification centres
The base comprises bones that are firmly united to protect…
…the vital centres in the medulla.
Name the 4 different sutures
- Lambdoidal
- Sagittal
- Coronal
- Frontal
When does fetal engagement occur?
Usually in the last 3/4 weeks of pregnancy for a primigravida
And in the 1st/2nd stage for multigravida women
