EXENCEPHALOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Exencephalous is a medical term derived from the combination of "ex-" meaning outside or exterior, and "encephalous" pertaining to the brain. The term refers to a highly rare birth defect characterized by the absence or extreme underdevelopment of the cranium, resulting in the exposure or protrusion of the brain outside of the skull. Babies born with this condition have incomplete or absent cranial bones, leaving the brain tissue unprotected.
Exencephalous is considered a severe form of neural tube defect, specifically an anomaly of the cranial end of the neural tube. The condition occurs during the early stages of embryonic development, typically due to the failure of the neural tube closing process. It is considered fatal and incompatible with life, as infants born with exencephalous often have significant neurological abnormalities and are unable to survive for an extended period.
As a rare and highly abnormal condition, exencephalous requires immediate medical attention upon birth. Treatment options are generally limited, as surgical intervention to correct or protect the exposed brain is nearly impossible. Instead, medical professionals focus on providing palliative care, minimizing pain, and ensuring the infant's comfort during their limited time.
Overall, exencephalous is a devastating congenital defect characterized by the protrusion or exposure of the brain outside of the skull, resulting in significant neurological impairments and typically a short life expectancy.
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Relating to exencephalia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for EXENCEPHALOUS
- wxencephalous
- sxencephalous
- dxencephalous
- rxencephalous
- 4xencephalous
- 3xencephalous
- ezencephalous
- ecencephalous
- edencephalous
- esencephalous
- exwncephalous
- exsncephalous
- exdncephalous
- exrncephalous
- ex4ncephalous
- ex3ncephalous
- exebcephalous
- exemcephalous
- exejcephalous
- exehcephalous
Etymology of EXENCEPHALOUS
The word "exencephalous" is derived from two Latin roots: "ex" meaning "out" or "away" and "encephalus" meaning "brain". In medical terminology, "encephalus" refers to a condition where the brain is outside the skull or only partially formed. Therefore, "exencephalous" is used to describe a condition where the brain is completely outside the skull.
Similar spelling words for EXENCEPHALOUS
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