Pronunciation: [ɛɡzˌɛnsɪfˈalɪk] (IPA) 
Exencephalic is a medical term used to describe a birth defect where a baby is born without a brain. The spelling of the word is based on the Greek prefix "ex-", meaning "out of", and the Latin root "encephal", meaning "brain". The "i" is added to the root to create the adjective form. The IPA transcription of the word is /ɛksɛnˈsɛfəlɪk/, with the stress on the second syllable.
Exencephalic is an adjective used to describe a specific congenital condition known as exencephaly. Exencephaly is a severe neural tube defect that occurs during fetal development, resulting in the incomplete closure of the neural tube, specifically in the region of the brain. This leads to the development of a fetus with a portion of the brain exposed or protruding outside the skull.
The term "exencephalic" is derived from the Greek words "ex" meaning outside and "encephalos" meaning brain. In the context of medical terminology, it describes a rare and often fatal malformation characterized by the absence of the cranial vault, allowing the brain to be visible externally. The exposed brain tissue lacks the protective covering provided by the skull, making it extremely vulnerable to damage and infection.
Exencephaly is considered a severe abnormality and is typically incompatible with sustained life. Infants born with exencephaly have a very low survival rate and often die shortly after birth. Due to the seriousness of this condition, it is often detected during prenatal ultrasound examinations, allowing parents to make informed decisions regarding continuation of the pregnancy and providing an opportunity for medical intervention if desired.
In summary, "exencephalic" refers to the presence of exencephaly, a congenital malformation in which a portion of the brain is exposed externally due to incomplete closure of the neural tube during fetal development.
Exencephalous.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "exencephalic" is derived from two main components: "ex-" and "encephalic".
1. "Ex-" is a Latin prefix meaning "out" or "from". It often implies separation or removal, indicating that something is "outside" or "beyond".
2. "Encephalic" refers to the brain or pertaining to the brain. It is derived from the Latin word "encephalon", which means "brain" or "the white marrow within bones".
By combining the two parts, "ex-" and "encephalic", the word "exencephalic" is formed, suggesting a condition or structure that is located outside or beyond the brain.
