How Do You Spell ACEPHALOCARDIA?

Pronunciation: [ɐsˌɛfɐləkˈɑːdi͡ə] (IPA)

The word "acephalocardia" is spelled as /əˌsɛfəloʊˈkɑːrdiə/, according to the International Phonetic Alphabet. This complex medical term is used to describe a condition wherein a fetus lacks a head and heart. The word "acephalocardia" derives from two Greek words: "a-" meaning "without," "cephalo-" meaning "head," and "cardia" meaning "heart." While the spelling of this word may seem daunting, breaking it down into its individual components and understanding its origins can make it easier to pronounce and remember.

ACEPHALOCARDIA Meaning and Definition

1. Acephalocardia is a rare congenital medical condition that refers to the absence or underdevelopment of the head (acephalia) and heart (cardia). This condition primarily affects embryos during fetal development, leading to severe abnormalities in the formation of essential organs and structures.

   In acephalocardia, the affected embryo does not develop a proper head or face, resulting in a complete absence of the cranial region. Additionally, the heart may be absent or exhibit severe abnormalities, such as an undeveloped or rudimentary form. These anomalies indicate a complete lack of proper brain and cardiac development, which are crucial for the viability of a fetus.

   Due to the absence of a functional heart, acephalocardia is incompatible with life, leading to the stillbirth or early death of the affected fetus. The condition is often diagnosed prenatally during routine ultrasound scans or genetic testing, although it may sometimes be identified during an autopsy following a stillbirth.

   Acephalocardia is an extremely rare condition, and its exact cause and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The development of the head and heart during fetal growth involves a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors, and their disruption can result in severe malformations. While there is currently no specific treatment for acephalocardia, prenatal diagnosis can help families make informed decisions and offer emotional support during such challenging circumstances.

2. Absence of head and heart.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for ACEPHALOCARDIA

• zcephalocardia
• scephalocardia
• wcephalocardia
• qcephalocardia
• axephalocardia
• avephalocardia
• afephalocardia
• adephalocardia
• acwphalocardia
• acsphalocardia
• acdphalocardia
• acrphalocardia
• ac4phalocardia
• ac3phalocardia
• aceohalocardia
• acelhalocardia
• ace-halocardia
• ace0halocardia
• acepgalocardia
• acepbalocardia

Etymology of ACEPHALOCARDIA

The word "acephalocardia" is derived from two Greek roots: "a-" meaning without or lacking, "cephalo-" meaning head, and "cardia" meaning heart. The term is typically used in medical contexts to refer to a congenital condition where the heart lacks a head or upper part.

Plural form of ACEPHALOCARDIA is ACEPHALOCARDIAS