ANENCEPHALIC Meaning and
Definition
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Anencephalic is an adjective that refers to a medical condition where a fetus or newborn is born without parts of the brain and skull. Derived from the Greek words "an-" meaning without, and "enkephalos" meaning brain, anencephalic is used to describe the absence or severe underdevelopment of the upper brain and cerebrum, leaving only the brainstem intact.
In this condition, the skull may be incomplete, exposing a significant part of the brain or, in some cases, completely absent. Anencephaly occurs during embryonic development when the neural tube, the structure that forms the brain and spinal cord, fails to close properly. This malformation prevents the normal growth and development of the brain, leading to the absence of the forebrain and cerebral hemispheres.
Due to the incomplete formation of the brain, newborns with anencephaly often have minimal cognitive function, if any, and are unable to sustain vital bodily functions. These infants frequently do not survive for long outside the womb and may be stillborn or die shortly after birth. The severity of anencephaly can vary, with some cases displaying partial development of the forebrain.
Anencephaly is a congenital anomaly that is typically diagnosed through prenatal testing, such as ultrasound, during pregnancy. While the cause of anencephaly is not entirely understood, it is believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Due to the severe nature of this condition, medical intervention is limited and generally focuses on palliative care and support for the family.
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Relating to anencephalia, without brain.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ANENCEPHALIC
- znencephalic
- snencephalic
- wnencephalic
- qnencephalic
- abencephalic
- amencephalic
- ajencephalic
- ahencephalic
- anwncephalic
- ansncephalic
- andncephalic
- anrncephalic
- an4ncephalic
- an3ncephalic
- anebcephalic
- anemcephalic
- anejcephalic
- anehcephalic
- anenxephalic
Etymology of ANENCEPHALIC
The word "anencephalic" is derived from two Greek roots: "an-" meaning "without" or "not", and "enkephalos" meaning "brain". Therefore, "anencephalic" literally translates to "without a brain". It is used to describe a condition in which a fetus or newborn is born without major parts of the brain and skull.
Similar spelling words for ANENCEPHALIC
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