Acanthion, pronounced [əˈkænθiən], is a medical term used to describe the most anterior point on the midline of the alveolar process of the maxilla. The spelling of this word follows the rules of English phonetics, where "a" sounds like the "a" in "cat," "c" is pronounced as a hard "k," "th" is pronounced as "th" in "thin," and "ion" sounds like "ee-on." The IPA phonetic transcription [əˈkænθiən] breaks down the pronunciation of each sound in the word.
Acanthion is a term commonly used in the field of anatomy, particularly in the study of the human skull and facial features. It refers to a specific anatomical landmark located on the midline of the facial structure. More specifically, the acanthion is the lowest point where the cartilage connecting the nose and the upper lip intersect.
The acanthion is an essential reference point in various medical and dental procedures, such as facial measurements, orthodontic evaluations, and craniofacial surgeries. It is one of the key landmarks used to determine the position and alignment of the jaws and facial structures.
In practical terms, the acanthion is identified by locating the midline of the face and tracing it downwards towards the nose. It is the point at which the measurement line intersects the groove between the nose and the upper lip. Typically, this point is located slightly above the level of the upper border of the incisor teeth.
Precise identification of the acanthion is crucial in planning and executing various medical and dental procedures involving the facial region. Accurate measurements and assessment of the acanthion aid in determining the proper position and alignment of the maxilla and mandible, aiding in comprehensive treatment planning and achieving desirable aesthetic outcomes.
The tip of the anterior nasal spine; see cut under norma lateralis, 5.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "acanthion" is derived from the Greek words "akantha" meaning "thorn" or "spine", and "ion" indicating a diminutive or a small thing. In anatomy, "acanthion" specifically refers to the point at the base of the nose where the nasal bones meet the maxilla (upper jaw) or the premaxilla (frontmost part of the upper jaw). This term is frequently used in medicine and anthropology when identifying craniofacial landmarks.