What is the difference between an adult and a new born baby skull?

The skull of a newborn baby is significantly different from that of an adult in several aspects:

1. Size:

- Newborn: The skull of a newborn baby is relatively large compared to the rest of the body. It makes up about one-quarter of the total body length, whereas in adults, it is about one-eighth.

- Adult: The adult skull is larger overall but proportionally smaller compared to the body size.

2. Shape:

- Newborn: The newborn skull is rounder and has a larger cranium (braincase) in proportion to the face. The forehead is prominent, and the facial bones are relatively underdeveloped.

- Adult: The adult skull is more elongated and angular, with a smaller cranium relative to the face. The facial bones are fully developed, giving the face its adult proportions.

3. Fontanelles:

- Newborn: The newborn skull has several soft spots called fontanelles, where the skull bones have not yet completely fused. These fontanelles allow for brain growth and expansion during infancy.

- Adult: In adults, the fontanelles have closed and the skull bones are fused together, forming a solid structure.

4. Sutures:

- Newborn: The skull bones in newborns are connected by fibrous joints called sutures. These sutures allow for some flexibility and growth of the skull.

- Adult: In adults, the sutures are mostly fused, except for a few that remain open to allow for slight movement of the skull bones.

5. Teeth:

- Newborn: Newborns are typically born without teeth.

- Adult: Adults have a full set of permanent teeth, including molars for grinding food.

6. Sinuses:

- Newborn: The sinuses, which are air-filled cavities within the skull, are not fully developed in newborns.

- Adult: In adults, the sinuses are well-developed and contribute to voice resonance and overall facial structure.

These differences between the newborn and adult skull reflect the developmental changes that occur throughout infancy and childhood as the brain grows and the skull adapts to accommodate its growth and functional requirements.