The word "fetus papyraceus" describes the remains of a fetus that has died in the womb and has been flattened against the uterine wall. The spelling of the word is "FEE-tus pa-pi-RAY-see-us," with the stress on the second syllable for "fetus" and on the third syllable for "papyraceus." The IPA phonetic transcription for the word is /ˈfiː.təs pəˈpaɪ.rə.siəs/, with the same stress pattern. This word is derived from the Latin "fetus" meaning "offspring" and "papyraceus" meaning "paper-like."
"Fetus papyraceus" is a medical term used to describe a rare condition in which a fetus dies in the uterus and is subsequently flattened and compressed with the remaining viable fetus. This condition occurs when the blood supply to the deceased fetus is compromised, leading to its mummification-like appearance.
The term "fetus papyraceus" is derived from Latin, with "fetus" referring to an unborn or developing offspring and "papyraceus" meaning "paper-like." This name mirrors the characteristic appearance of the deceased fetus, which becomes flattened and parchment-like due to the external pressure exerted by the living twin or the uterine wall.
Typically, the condition occurs in multiple pregnancies, particularly in cases of twin pregnancies. It often goes undetected until the later stages of gestation when the surviving fetus continues to grow and develop normally, eventually overshadowing the deceased fetus.
Physicians may detect the presence of a fetus papyraceus through ultrasound, which may reveal a still, flattened fetus within the uterus. It is important to diagnose this condition, as it can have potential implications for the health of the remaining fetus and the expectant mother.
In some cases, the mummified fetus may be naturally expelled from the uterus during childbirth. However, if it remains inside the uterus, medical intervention, such as a surgical procedure, may be necessary to remove the fetus papyraceus to prevent complications, such as infection or obstruction.
Overall, "fetus papyraceus" refers to the mummified remains of a deceased fetus, which becomes flattened and parchment-like due to external pressure. This condition primarily occurs in multiple pregnancies and requires appropriate medical management to ensure the health of the surviving fetus and the mother.
One of twin fetuses which has died and been pressed flat against the uterine wall by the growth of the living fetus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "fetus papyraceus" is a medical term used to describe a rare condition where a dead fetus in a multiple pregnancy becomes flattened and compressed, resembling parchment or papyrus. It is derived from two Latin words: "fetus" and "papyraceus".
1. Fetus: The word "fetus" comes from the Latin term "fetus", which means "a bringing forth, hatching of young, offspring, or newborn". It is related to the verb "fētus", which means "to bring forth young". In medical terminology, the word "fetus" refers to the developing offspring of a viviparous animal, including humans, from approximately the ninth week after conception until birth.
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