Diastematocrania is a term used to describe a condition where an individual has a gap or separation between two cranial bones. The word is spelled phonetically as /daɪəstæmætəʊkreɪniə/. The pronunciation of this word is broken down into syllables, where the first syllable ‘di’ sounds like ‘die’, the second syllable ‘a’ is pronounced like ‘uh’, and the third syllable ‘stema’ sounds like ‘stem-uh’. The ‘to’ in the fourth syllable is pronounced like ‘toe’ and the following syllables continue in a similar manner.
Diastematocrania is a rare anatomical condition characterized by the presence of a gap or separation between the cranial bones of the skull. The term is derived from the combination of the Greek words "diastema," meaning gap or separation, and "kranion," referring to the skull.
In individuals affected by diastematocrania, a noticeable space can be observed between the various cranial bones, which are typically fused together in a normal skull. This condition primarily manifests in the sagittal suture, the anatomical structure that joins the frontal and parietal bones of the skull. However, diastematocrania may also involve other sutures or areas of the cranial bones.
The exact cause of diastematocrania is currently unknown, and it is considered to be a congenital anomaly. Research suggests that genetic factors and irregular development during embryogenesis might contribute to the formation of this condition.
Although diastematocrania is generally asymptomatic and does not usually cause any functional impairments, it can be visually striking. Due to the unusual appearance, individuals with diastematocrania may seek medical attention for cosmetic reasons or to rule out any underlying conditions that may be associated with this anatomical abnormality.
Further studies are needed to understand the etiology, prevalence, and potential implications of diastematocrania in order to provide comprehensive medical guidance to individuals affected by this condition.
Congenital sagittal fissure of the skull.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "diastematocrania" is a combination of three Greek roots: "diastema", "cranium", and "-ia".
1. "Diastema" comes from the Greek word "diastēma", which means "a space" or "gap". In dentistry, it refers to the gap or space between two teeth, typically in the context of the upper front teeth.
2. "Cranium" is derived from the Greek word "kranion", which refers to the skull or the bony structure that encloses and protects the brain.
3. The suffix "-ia" is used in medical terminology to indicate a condition or state.