Measurements of anterior fontanelle during the fetal period.

In this study, we aimed to determine the development of the anterior fontanelle during the fetal period by morphometric measurements. One hundred and five (49 males, 56 females) human fetuses were obtained from Isparta Maternity and Pediatric Hospital. The gestational age ranged from 11 to 40 weeks. In all cases, head circumference, head length and biparietal diameter were recorded. The anterior fontanelle, transverse and longitudinal diameters were measured, and the mean anterior fontanelle size and the anterior fontanelle area were calculated. A significant positive correlation was found between the gestational age and all parameters. During the fetal period, the anterior fontanelle area gradually increased with head circumference. There was a sharp increase in third trimester in the area anterior fontanelle. In the present study, there was no significant difference between sexes regarding the all parameters measured or calculated. The mean anterior fontanelle size was larger than that recorded in previous studies for both sexes. As presented in our study, the dimensions of the anterior fontanelle for each gestational age will be useful in the understanding of development and anatomical variation. It may also be useful in the diagnosis of cranial maldevelopment.