**Core Concept**
The number of fontanelles present in a newborn child is a critical aspect of pediatric anatomy and development. Fontanelles are soft, fibrous areas in the skull where the bones have not yet fused together. They allow for flexibility and expansion of the skull during birth and early childhood.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
There are six fontanelles in a normal newborn child, which include the anterior fontanelle, posterior fontanelle, two sphenoidal fontanelles, two mastoid fontanelles, and the small metopic fontanelle (also known as the frontal fontanelle). These fontanelles are a normal anatomical feature and are essential for the growth and development of the infant's skull. The anterior fontanelle is the largest and most prominent, usually closing by the age of 18-24 months.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incomplete and therefore incorrect.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect as it mentions fewer fontanelles than the actual number present in a newborn child.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect as it mentions more fontanelles than the actual number present in a newborn child.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It is essential for pediatricians and healthcare professionals to be aware of the normal number of fontanelles in newborns, as an abnormal number can be a sign of underlying conditions such as craniosynostosis or premature closure of the fontanelles.
**Correct Answer: D. 6**
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