Craniorrhachischisis is a medical condition in which the skull and spine fail to develop properly. The word is composed of three parts: "cranio-" meaning skull, "-rrhachi-" meaning spine, and "-schisis" meaning split or fissure. The pronunciation of this complex word is [krey-nee-oh-rah-kih-SKIH-sis], with stress on the third syllable. This rare condition is often fatal, but advances in medical technology have made it possible to detect and, in some cases, treat during pregnancy.
Craniorrhachischisis is a medical term primarily used in the field of embryology and neurosurgery. It refers to a severe congenital anomaly characterized by the complete absence of closure of the neural tube, resulting in a defect involving both the cranium (skull) and the spine. This condition occurs during early fetal development, specifically during the formation of the neural tube, which normally closes to protect and enclose the spinal cord and brain.
Individuals born with craniorrhachischisis typically exhibit an extensive, open midline defect that spans from the cranium to the sacral region of the spine. Due to the failure of neural tube closure, the brain tissue and spinal cord remain exposed, leaving them vulnerable to damage and infections.
The condition is considered extremely rare and highly fatal. Infants born with craniorrhachischisis typically have little to no chance of survival due to the severity of the defect and the associated complications, including impaired brain development and organ malformations.
The term "craniorrhachischisis" is derived from the Greek words kraniοn (cranium), rhachis (spine), and schisis (split or division). Its definition encompasses the comprehensive understanding of the condition as a severe developmental defect affecting the integrity and formation of both the skull and spine.
Congenital fissure of the skull and spinal column.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "craniorrhachischisis" is derived from Greek roots. Here is the breakdown of its etymology:
1. "Kranion" - This word means "skull" in Greek.
2. "Rhachis" - This term translates to "spine" in Greek.
3. "Isis" - A suffix used in medical terminology to indicate a condition characterized by a fissure or division.
Therefore, when combining all the elements, "craniorrhachischisis" literally means a birth defect characterized by a fissure or division in both the skull and spine.