INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

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What are cranial bones separated by at birth?

Fontanelles
Synovial fluid
Periosteum
Synchondroses

The correct answer is: Fontanelles

Fontanelles, also known as soft spots, are thin, membranous gaps located between the bones on an infant's skull. These gaps allow for the flexibility needed during childbirth and the growth of the baby's head in the first years of life. While all of the other options are important for the proper functioning of the skull, they are not relevant to the separation of cranial bones at birth. Synovial fluid is a lubricating substance found in joints, periosteum is a layer of tissue that covers bones, and synchondroses are cartilaginous joints that allow for the growth of bones. These structures are present in the skull after birth, but do not play a role in the initial separation of cranial bones during childbirth.