CEPHALOTHORACIC Meaning and
Definition
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Cephalothoracic is an adjective that refers to the fusion or combination of the cephalic and thoracic regions or parts of an organism. It stems from the combination of two Greek words: "kephalḗ" meaning "head" and "thṓrax" meaning "chest" or "thorax." Typically used in biological and anatomical contexts, "cephalothoracic" describes the structure, composition, or positioning of the head and thorax as a single unit.
In biology, "cephalothoracic" often refers to certain arthropods, such as insects and crustaceans, which possess a fused head and thoracic region. In such organisms, the cephalothorax usually occupies the anterior portion of the body and is comprised of the head and thorax, with appendages such as antennae and legs attached to it. This fusion of head and thoracic segments provides stability, flexibility, and enables effective coordination for the arthropod in terms of locomotion, feeding, and other important physiological functions.
Beyond arthropods, the term can also be used in a broader sense to describe the fusion or association of the head and thoracic regions in other organisms or structures. For instance, in the medical field, the term "cephalothoracic" may be used to describe certain medical procedures involving both the head and chest, or describe anatomical abnormalities where these two regions are fused or joined in a specific way.
Overall, "cephalothoracic" refers to the combination of head and thorax, highlighting the fused or united nature of these two regions in various contexts, particularly in the biological and anatomical realms.
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Relating to the head and the chest.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CEPHALOTHORACIC
- cephalothoracis
- cephalothoracik
- cephalothoracig
- cephalothoracib
- cephalowthoracic
- cephalothoaracic
- c ephalothoracic
- ceph alothoracic
- cepha lothoracic
- cephal othoracic
- cephalo thoracic
- cephalot horacic
- cephaloth oracic
- cephalotho racic
- cephalothor acic
- cephalothora cic
- cephalothorac ic
- cephalothoraci c
Etymology of CEPHALOTHORACIC
The word "cephalothoracic" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "cephalo-" and "thoracic".
1. "Cephalo-" is derived from the Greek word "kephalé", which means "head". This root is commonly used in various medical and scientific terms related to the head. For example, "cephalopod" (mollusks with tentacles attached to their heads) and "encephalitis" (inflammation of the brain) both include the "cephalo-" root.
2. "Thoracic" is derived from the Greek word "thorax", referring to the chest region or the part of the body between the neck and the abdomen. The "thoracic" term is often used in medical contexts, particularly in relation to the chest cavity and its associated structures.
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