EXENCEPHALUS Meaning and
Definition
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Exencephalus is a medical term used to describe a rare congenital abnormality involving the development of the brain and skull in unborn babies. It is a severe form of neural tube defect that occurs during early embryonic development. In exencephalus, the developing brain is located outside the skull, covered only by a thin layer of skin or a membranous sac.
This condition arises due to a failure in the closure of the neural tube, a structure that eventually forms the brain and spinal cord. The exact cause of exencephalus is still not fully understood, but it is believed to be multifactorial, with both genetic and environmental influences playing a role.
Exencephalus is typically diagnosed during prenatal ultrasound examinations, as the protruding brain is easily identifiable. The condition poses a significant risk to the affected fetus, as the exposed brain tissue is vulnerable to injury, infection, and dehydration.
Unfortunately, exencephalus is not compatible with life, and most affected babies are stillborn or die soon after birth due to the severity of the condition. In rare cases where the baby survives, immediate surgical intervention is required to provide protection and support for the exposed brain.
Due to the rarity and seriousness of exencephalus, preventative measures such as folic acid supplementation during pregnancy are essential to reduce the risk of neural tube defects, including this condition. Additionally, early and accurate prenatal diagnosis can assist in informing decision-making for families and providing appropriate medical care.
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A monster with the brain more or less outside of the cranial cavity.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for EXENCEPHALUS
- exencephaly
- wxencephalus
- sxencephalus
- dxencephalus
- rxencephalus
- 4xencephalus
- 3xencephalus
- ezencephalus
- ecencephalus
- edencephalus
- esencephalus
- exwncephalus
- exsncephalus
- exdncephalus
- exrncephalus
- ex4ncephalus
- ex3ncephalus
- exebcephalus
- exemcephalus
- exejcephalus
Etymology of EXENCEPHALUS
The word "exencephalus" is derived from Greek roots. "Ex-" means "out" or "outside", and "en-" means "in" or "inside". "Cephalus" stems from the Greek word "kephalē", which means "head". Therefore, "exencephalus" literally translates to "outside the head". It is a medical term used to describe a rare congenital malformation wherein the brain is located outside the cranial cavity.
Similar spelling words for EXENCEPHALUS
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