The correct spelling of "diameters of fetal skull" is "/daɪ'æmɪtərz əv 'fiːtl skʌl/". In phonetic transcription, "diameters" is spelled with a long "i" sound followed by the "a" sound as in "eye-meters". "Fetal" is pronounced with a long "e" sound as in "fee-tal" and "skull" has a short "u" sound as in "skull". Overall, the spelling follows English phonetic rules and accurately represents the pronunciation of each word.
The term "diameters of fetal skull" refers to the measurements or dimensions of the various distances across the skull of a developing fetus during pregnancy. It is an essential aspect to determine and assess the size and positioning of the fetal head during childbirth.
There are different diameters that are typically measured and monitored by medical professionals. The most significant diameters include the biparietal diameter (BPD), occipitofrontal diameter (OFD), and the occipitomental diameter (OMD).
The biparietal diameter is the distance between the two parietal bones in the sides of the fetal skull. It is usually measured in a transverse plane and serves as an indicator of fetal head size. The occipitofrontal diameter, on the other hand, represents the distance from the forehead (frontal bone) to the posterior region of the skull (occipital bone). This measurement helps assess the length and shape of the fetal head.
Lastly, the occipitomental diameter measures the distance between the back of the skull (occiput) and the chin (mentum). It evaluates the flexion or extension of the fetal head. These diameters are crucial when determining if the fetal head can pass through the mother's pelvis during delivery, aiding in deciding the safest method of childbirth.
Overall, the diameters of the fetal skull play a critical role in obstetrics by providing vital information about the fetal head's size, shape, and position, enabling medical professionals to make accurate diagnoses and appropriate decisions during the childbirth process.
See illustrations. P. 359.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.