The word "athyreosis" is a medical term referring to the absence of the thyroid gland. Its spelling can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as /æθaɪ'riəʊsɪs/. The first two letters "ath" represent the "æθ" sound, which is a combination of the "a" in "cat" and "th" sound like in "think". The next syllable, "yre", is pronounced as "aɪə", resembling the "i" in "ice". The final syllable, "osis", is pronounced as "oʊsɪs", similar to the word "tuberculosis".
Athyreosis refers to the congenital absence or underdevelopment of the thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped organ located in the neck that produces essential hormones regulating metabolism. This condition is characterized by an improper formation or complete failure of the thyroid gland during embryonic development, resulting in the absence of thyroid tissue, or a significantly reduced size and functionality in some cases.
Athyreosis is a rare condition, often present from birth, and is frequently associated with other congenital anomalies or genetic disorders. Individuals with athyreosis may experience symptoms related to insufficient thyroid hormone production, such as delayed growth, developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, low muscle tone, delayed puberty, and a potential range of other health issues. Some affected individuals may experienced hypothyroidism, which is the insufficient production of thyroid hormones, while others may have transient hypothyroidism that resolves over time.
Diagnosing athyreosis involves a thorough clinical evaluation, assessment of the patient's medical history, family history, and thyroid function testing. Treatment typically involves lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy to ensure the normal functioning of various bodily systems and alleviate associated symptoms. Routine monitoring of thyroid hormone levels is also recommended to ensure the appropriate dosage of replacement medication is maintained throughout an individual's life. Additionally, individuals diagnosed with athyreosis should be periodically evaluated for any potential associated health issues that may require medical attention or intervention.
Athyrea.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "athyreosis" is derived from two Greek roots: "a-" and "thyreos".
The prefix "a-" in Greek is a negating prefix, meaning "without" or "not".
The root "thyreos" comes from the Greek word "thyreoeidēs", meaning "resembling a door". In this case, it specifically refers to the thyroid gland, as "thyreoeidēs" is a combination of "thyreos" (door) and "eidos" (form or shape).
So, when combined, the word "athyreosis" literally means "without a thyroid gland". It is a medical term used to describe the absence or underdevelopment of the thyroid gland.