Which statement about fontanel closures is true?

Which statement about fontanel closures is true?

• A. Anterior fontanel closes earlier than posterior.
• B. Posterior fontanel closes earlier than anterior.
• C. Posterior fontanel closes later than anterior.
• D. Posterior fontanel never closes.

Answer: (B)

Fontanel closures reflect how the infant’s skull grows to accommodate the brain. The posterior fontanel, located toward the back of the head, closes relatively early—typically by about 2 to 3 months of age. The anterior fontanel, at the top front, remains open much longer, usually closing between 12 and 18 months (some children may close closer to 2 years). Because the posterior fontanel closes earlier than the anterior, the statement is true. The other options suggest the opposite timing or that the posterior never closes, which isn’t correct.

Fontanel closures reflect how the infant’s skull grows to accommodate the brain. The posterior fontanel, located toward the back of the head, closes relatively early—typically by about 2 to 3 months of age. The anterior fontanel, at the top front, remains open much longer, usually closing between 12 and 18 months (some children may close closer to 2 years). Because the posterior fontanel closes earlier than the anterior, the statement is true. The other options suggest the opposite timing or that the posterior never closes, which isn’t correct.