Obstetric and Gynecological Nursing - The Carter Center

The Fetal Skull
The fetal head is the most difficult part to deliver whether it
comes first or last. It is large in comparison with the ture pelvis
and some adptation between skull and pelvis must take place
during labour.An understanding of the landmarks and
measurements of the fetal skull enables to recognize normal
presentation and positions and to facilitate delivery with the
least possible trauma to mother and child. The skull is divided
into the vault, the base and the face. The vault is the large
dome shaped part above the imaginary line drowns between
the orbital ridges and the nape of the neck.
The base is composed of bones which are firmly united to
protect the vital centres in the medulla.
The face is composed of 14 small bones which are also firmly
united and non- compressible
Bones of the Vault
There are five main bones in the vault of the fetal skull.
A. The occipital bone lies at the back of the head and forms
the region of the occiput.
B. The two parietal bones lie on either side of the skull.
C. The two frontal bones from the forehead or sinciput.
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