Pronunciation: [ɐsˈɛfaləs] (IPA) 
The word "acephalus" is derived from the Greek words "a-" meaning "without" and "kephalē" meaning "head". In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled /əˈsɛfələs/. Pronounced as a-sef-uh-luhs, the first syllable is unstressed and pronounced as schwa /ə/. The "c" is pronounced as /s/ and the "ph" is pronounced as /f/. The word is commonly used in medical terminology to describe a condition where an organism is born without a head.
Acephalus is a medical term that originates from the Greek word "a-," meaning without, and "kephalē," meaning head. It is primarily used to describe a rare congenital abnormality where an individual is born without a head, or with only partial development of the head.
In medical literature, acephalus is often categorized into two main types: anencephaly and hemicephaly. Anencephaly refers to the complete absence of the brain and skull, resulting in a severely underdeveloped or missing head. Individuals with anencephaly are usually stillborn or survive only for a short period after birth due to the brain's vital functions being compromised.
Hemicephaly, on the other hand, is characterized by partial development of the head, where one side is completely absent or significantly smaller than the other. This condition may be associated with other cranial and brain abnormalities, potentially leading to various neurological impairments.
Acephalus is an extremely rare condition, occurring in approximately 1 out of every 10,000 births. Its etiology remains largely unknown, although certain genetic and environmental factors have been suggested as contributing factors.
Due to its severe nature and limited medical intervention options, acephalus is generally regarded as a lethal condition. Nevertheless, advancements in prenatal screening techniques have allowed for early detection, enabling families to make informed decisions and seek appropriate emotional and medical support.
A headless monster.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "acephalus" is derived from two Greek elements: "a-" meaning without, and "kephalē" meaning head. In Greek, "acephalus" (ἀκέφαλος) literally translates to "headless". It entered the English language through Latin and is commonly used in the medical and biological context to describe organisms or specimens that lack a head or have an underdeveloped head.
