Atrophia infantum is a medical term used to describe a condition characterized by the wasting away of the body tissue in infants. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. The first syllable, atro-, is pronounced as [ˈɑːtɹəʊ] with stress on the first syllable. The second syllable, -phia, is pronounced as [ˈfaɪə]. The third syllable, in-, is pronounced as [ɪn]. Finally, the last syllable, -tum, is pronounced as [tʊm]. Altogether, the pronunciation of atrophia infantum is [ˈɑːtɹəʊfiəɪnˈfæntʊm].
Atrophia infantum, also known as infantile atrophy, is a medical term used to describe a condition characterized by the progressive wasting away or decrease in size of a child's body and organs. This condition typically occurs in infants or young children and can have various underlying causes.
The primary characteristic of atrophia infantum is the profound and consistent loss of body weight and muscle mass, leading to a visibly emaciated appearance. Affected children usually exhibit a failure to thrive, meaning they do not gain weight or grow as expected for their age. The condition may also cause reduced strength and impaired development, including delayed milestones such as crawling, walking, or talking.
Atrophia infantum can be caused by a diverse range of factors, including genetics, metabolic disorders, malnutrition, hormonal imbalances, gastrointestinal disorders, or chronic illnesses. In some cases, it may be a consequence of an underlying condition not initially apparent, necessitating investigations to determine the root cause.
Early detection and prompt medical intervention are crucial in managing atrophia infantum. Treatment options typically focus on addressing the underlying cause, along with nutritional support and physical therapy to enhance the child's growth and development. If left untreated, atrophia infantum can lead to severe complications such as compromised immune function, organ failure, and even death.
In conclusion, atrophia infantum refers to a condition characterized by the progressive wasting away of an infant or young child's body and organs. It requires proper medical attention and management to address the underlying causes and promote healthy growth and development.
Tabes mesenterica.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "atrophia infantum" comes from two Latin words: "atrophia" and "infantum".
1. "Atrophia": This word derives from the Greek word "atrophos", which means "without food" or "starvation". The Greek word is a combination of the prefix "a-" meaning "without" and "trophe" meaning "nourishment" or "food".
2. "Infantum": This is the genitive form of the Latin word "infans", meaning "baby" or "infant".
Therefore, "atrophia infantum" can be translated as "starvation of infants" or "infantile atrophy". It refers to a condition characterized by failure to thrive or a lack of proper growth and development in infants due to malnutrition or other underlying factors.