Some observations on the closure of the anterior fontanelle

Abstract

The age of closure of the anterior fontanelle has been studied clinically in 530 children of both sexes, and radio-graphically in 127 of these children. In this sample the anterior fontanelle closed earlier in the male than in the female. This distinguishes fontanelle closure from skeletal maturation in which the female lead is well known. Significant statistical correlations have been found between an early fontanelle closure and (a) above- average height in the female, (b) adverse social circumstances in the male.