DefinitionCranial sutures are fibrous bands of tissue that connect the bones of the skull.Alternative NamesFontanelles; Sutures - cranialInformationAn infant's skull is made up of six separate cranial bones (the frontal bone, the occipital bone, two parietal bones, and two temporal bones). These bones are held together by strong, fibrous, elastic tissues called cranial sutures.The spaces between the bones where the sutures are (sometimes known as "soft spots") are called fontanelles. They are a part of normal development. The cranial bones remain separate for about 12-18 months. They then grow together (fuse) as part of normal growth. They stay fused throughout adulthood.Two fontanelles are usually seen on a newborn's skull: one on the top in the middle, just forward of center; and one in