EPIPTERIC Meaning and
Definition
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Epipteric refers to a small bone or bony plate that is found at the junction of the sagittal and coronal sutures in the human skull. It is a term used in the field of anatomy and anthropology to describe a very specific anatomical feature. The epipteric bone is a non-sutural bony element that can occur in the midline of the skull, typically in the region of the posterior frontal bone. However, it may also develop in other areas, such as the parietal bones.
This small bone can vary in size and shape, ranging from tiny and triangular to larger, oval-shaped structures. It is considered a vestigial bone, meaning it is a remnant from our evolutionary past that may have had a different function in ancestral species. The epipteric bone is typically present at birth but can gradually become ossified and fuse with the adjacent bones later in life, leading to its disappearance.
The exact function of the epipteric bone is still debated among researchers. Some studies suggest that it may play a role in providing additional support and reinforcement to the skull during development, particularly in individuals with larger heads or in response to certain mechanical stresses. However, its significance remains an ongoing topic of investigation in the field of anatomy and evolutionary biology.
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In the neighborhood of the pterion.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for EPIPTERIC
- wpipteric
- spipteric
- dpipteric
- rpipteric
- 4pipteric
- 3pipteric
- eoipteric
- elipteric
- e-ipteric
- e0ipteric
- epupteric
- epjpteric
- epkpteric
- epopteric
- ep9pteric
- ep8pteric
- epioteric
- epilteric
- epi-teric
Etymology of EPIPTERIC
The word "Epipteric" is derived from Greek roots.
The first part of the word, "Epi-", meaning "over" or "upon", comes from the Greek preposition "epi" (ἐπί).
The second part of the word, "-pteric", comes from the Greek word "ptera" (πτέρα), meaning "wing".
Therefore, "Epipteric" literally means "over wing" or "upon wing".
Similar spelling word for EPIPTERIC
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