How Do You Spell ANENCEPHALY?

Pronunciation: [ˈe͡ɪnnsɪfəli] (IPA)

The word "anencephaly" is a medical term used to refer to a condition in which the brain does not develop properly during fetal growth. This term is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /əˌnɛnsəˈfæli/. The first syllable starts with a schwa sound, followed by the stress on the second syllable, which is pronounced as "nens". The word ends with a stressed "fali", using the "a" sound as in "cat". While this term may be difficult to spell, its correct pronunciation is essential for effective communication in the medical field.

ANENCEPHALY Meaning and Definition

1. Anencephaly is a congenital disorder characterized by the underdevelopment or absence of the brain. It is a rare and severe neural tube defect that occurs during embryonic development when the neural tube, a structure that eventually forms the brain and spinal cord, fails to close properly. As a result, the baby is born with a partial or complete absence of the cerebral hemispheres, which are the main parts of the brain responsible for cognitive and sensory functions.

   Infants born with anencephaly typically have a sloping forehead and a malformed skull due to the lack of brain tissue. The condition is often associated with other physical abnormalities, such as facial malformations, cleft palate, and heart defects. Sadly, the prognosis for individuals with anencephaly is extremely poor, as it is incompatible with life. Most affected infants either die shortly before or after birth due to the severity of the condition.

   The exact cause of anencephaly is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Folic acid deficiency in the mother's diet, as well as certain medications and maternal health conditions, have been identified as potential risk factors for the development of anencephaly.

   While there is no cure for anencephaly, it can be diagnosed through prenatal testing, such as ultrasound scans and amniocentesis. Medical professionals often provide supportive care and counseling to parents who receive a prenatal diagnosis of anencephaly, as the condition can be emotionally challenging.

2. Absence of the brain, or of all but the basal ganglia and cerebellum.

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

Common Misspellings for ANENCEPHALY

• znencephaly
• snencephaly
• wnencephaly
• qnencephaly
• abencephaly
• amencephaly
• ajencephaly
• ahencephaly
• anwncephaly
• ansncephaly
• andncephaly
• anrncephaly
• an4ncephaly
• an3ncephaly
• anebcephaly
• anemcephaly
• anejcephaly
• anehcephaly
• anenxephaly

Etymology of ANENCEPHALY

The word anencephaly is derived from the Greek roots an- meaning without and enkephalos meaning brain. Anencephaly literally translates to without a brain.

Similar spelling words for ANENCEPHALY

• anencephalic,
• anencephalia,
• announce,
• Anencephalous,
• Iniencephaly.

Plural form of ANENCEPHALY is ANENCEPHALIES