The meeting point between coronal and sagittal suture is known as

RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-3rd)

Applied Anatomy

Easy

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-3rd)

Explanation

Bregma is the specific anatomical term for the point on the skull where the coronal suture (between the frontal and parietal bones) intersects with the sagittal suture (between the two parietal bones).
In infants, this junction is a soft, membrane-covered gap known as the anterior fontanelle.
The anterior fontanelle's flexibility is crucial for two main reasons: it allows the skull to safely compress and change shape (molding) during childbirth, and it accommodates the rapid expansion of the brain during the first 1-2 years of life.
Its diamond shape is formed by the meeting of four skull bones: the two frontal bones (which are not yet fused) and the two parietal bones.

Option A: The parietal eminence refers to the point of maximum convexity on the surface of the parietal bone itself. It is a feature of the bone, not a junction where sutures meet.
Option B: The occipital eminence, more formally known as the external occipital protuberance, is a bony bump on the occipital bone at the back of the skull. It is not related to the coronal or sagittal sutures.
Option D: Lambda is also a suture junction, but it is the meeting point of the sagittal and lambdoid sutures. It corresponds to the posterior fontanelle.

Visual 1: Diagram - A superior view of the fetal skull, clearly labeling the Bregma at the intersection of the coronal and sagittal sutures, and the Lambda at the intersection of the sagittal and lambdoid sutures.
Visual 2: Diagram - A lateral view of the fetal skull showing the location of the diamond-shaped anterior fontanelle (Bregma) and the smaller, triangular posterior fontanelle (Lambda).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomical landmarks of the fetal skull, specifically suture junctions as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Assessing the fontanelles is a critical part of the newborn and infant physical examination. A sunken fontanelle can be a sign of dehydration, while a tense or bulging fontanelle may indicate increased intracranial pressure from conditions like meningitis or hydrocephalus.
During labor, a nurse or midwife can identify the fontanelles and sutures through a vaginal examination. The shape of the fontanelle (diamond vs. triangle) helps determine the position and attitude of the fetal head, which is crucial for managing the delivery.
What if? If a 3-month-old infant presents with a persistently bulging anterior fontanelle, vomiting, and unusual sleepiness, the nurse's priority is to recognize these signs of increased intracranial pressure and ensure immediate medical evaluation to rule out serious neurological conditions.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key anatomical terms in the question stem: 'meeting point,' 'coronal suture,' and 'sagittal suture.' This is a direct anatomical recall question.
Second, mentally visualize or sketch a superior (top-down) view of the skull. Picture the coronal suture running from side to side and the sagittal suture running from front to back along the midline.
Third, recall the specific anatomical names for the junctions of the major cranial sutures. The anterior junction is the Bregma, and the posterior junction is the Lambda.
Fourth, evaluate each option based on your anatomical knowledge. 'Parietal eminence' and 'Occipital eminence' are bony prominences, not suture junctions, so they can be eliminated.
Fifth, differentiate between the two suture junction options. 'Lambda' is the junction of the sagittal and lambdoid sutures. 'Bregma' is the junction of the coronal and sagittal sutures.
Finally, select 'Bregma' as it correctly matches the description in the question.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Anatomical landmarks of the fetal skull, specifically suture junctions.
Stem keywords: meeting point, coronal suture, sagittal suture
Lead-in keywords: is known as

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