The word "astomia" is a medical term that refers to the condition of having no mouth or mouth opening. Its spelling is derived from Greek roots "a-" meaning "without" and "stoma" meaning "mouth." In IPA phonetic transcription, "astomia" is pronounced as /əˈstoʊmɪə/. The first syllable "a" is pronounced as the schwa sound, while the sound "o" in "stoma" is pronounced as the long o sound. The word's ending "ia" is pronounced as "ee-uh."
Astomia is a medical term used to describe the condition of having an abnormal opening or absence of the mouth. Derived from the Greek words "a-" meaning "without" and "stoma" meaning "mouth," astomia refers to the anatomical or physiological absence or closure of the oral cavity.
This condition can manifest in various ways, ranging from a partial closure or constriction of the mouth to a complete absence of the oral opening. It can be congenital, meaning present at birth, or acquired due to trauma, surgery, or other factors. Astomia can have significant implications on an individual's ability to eat, speak, or breathe properly.
The absence or closure of the mouth interferes with nutritional intake as conventional food consumption becomes impossible. Instead, individuals affected by astomia may rely on alternative means such as tube feeding or adjustments in diet to ensure proper nourishment. Additionally, the inability to open or close the mouth correctly can also lead to difficulties in articulating speech sounds, resulting in speech impairments. Depending on the severity of astomia, it may require various treatments such as surgical interventions, speech therapy, or the use of prosthetics to improve functional abilities.
In summary, astomia refers to the abnormal absence or closure of the mouth, which can have significant impacts on eating, speaking, and overall quality of life.
The condition of having no mouth.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word astomia has its etymology derived from two Greek roots: a- meaning without or not, and stoma meaning mouth. As a result, astomia translates to lack of a mouth or absence of a mouth.