There are five major joints, or sutures, that connect the bones in your skull.
These flexible joints allow the bones in the skull to accommodate brain growth during infancy.
The sutures act as flexible joints that allow the skull to mold during birth.
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They also allow the brain to grow during infancy.
These open spaces are covered with tough membranes to protect your babys brain.
This fontanelle stays open until your little ones second birthday.
This fontanelle is usually the first to close.
When your baby is born, the flexible sutures allow them to make their way through the birth canal.
This protects the brain from being pressed on and damaged.
The squamous suture acts as an expansion joint between the parietal and temporal bones.
As the brain grows during infancy, the sutures allow the skull to grow and expand.
This would lead to increased pressure on the brain and possibly brain damage.
It is possible for the squamous suture to fuse prematurely, causing the bones to join and harden.
This condition is known ascraniosynostosis.
Squamous craniosynostosis is not common, and may occur as part of a genetic disorder.
When pressure builds up in an infants skull, the sutures naturally stretch to accommodate for the increased pressure.
This adaptation puts them under strain.
First, assess your babys anterior fontanelle on the top of the head.
If it looks like it’s bulging up, this could indicate increased pressure in the skull.
A condition called craniosynostosis can cause sutures to fuse prematurely, increasing pressure in your baby’s brain.
Increased intracranial pressure requires treatment right away.
If you notice any changes to your childs head or skull shape, talk with your doctor right away.
Any signs of increased intracranial pressure, such as a bulging fontanelle, require immediate treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the squamosal suture and squamous suture the same thing?
Oregon State University.The skull.
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MedlinePlus.Increased intracranial pressure.
2021 Jan;96(1):42-54. doi:10.1007/s12565-020-00555-x
