Iliothoracopagus is a medical term referring to conjoined twins joined together at the abdomen, thorax, and pelvis. The pronunciation of this word is written as /ˌɪlioʊˌθɔrəˈkɒpəɡəs/. The prefix "ilio" refers to the ilium bone, which is in the pelvic region, while "thoraco" refers to the thorax or chest area. Lastly, "pagus" means joined. Thus, this lengthy word means twins who are joined at the ilium, thorax and pelvis. Medical professionals must be aware of such terminology to communicate efficiently and provide optimal care.
Ilio-thoracopagus is a medical term used to describe a specific type of conjoined twins who are physically attached at the iliac region (the area near the hip bones) and the thoracic region (the area near the chest or the upper part of the trunk). This condition is extremely rare and occurs during fetal development when the embryos fail to separate completely, resulting in the conjoined twins being connected at these specific areas.
The term "ilio-thoracopagus" is derived from three different anatomical terms: "ilio-" refers to the iliac region, "thoraco-" refers to the thoracic region, and "pagus" is a Greek term meaning "pertaining to attachment." Therefore, the term describes the particular attachment sites of these conjoined twins.
Due to the fusion at the iliac and thoracic regions, ilio-thoracopagus twins typically share important organs such as the liver and gastrointestinal system, making their separation more complex and challenging. Their physical connection commonly involves shared blood vessels, creating potential complications for surgical separation procedures.
The study of ilio-thoracopagus twins falls under the branch of medicine known as cephalopagus, which encompasses the understanding of conjoined twins as a whole. Cephalopagus also examines the various types of conjoined twins, their development, potential health issues, and the surgical interventions required for separation, if possible.
Overall, ilio-thoracopagus twins refer to a unique and rare form of conjoined twins who are connected at the iliac and thoracic regions, signifying specific locations of fusion between the two individuals.
A double monster in which union occurs through the ilia on one side and the sterna.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "iliothoracopagus" is a medical term used to describe a specific type of conjoined twins where they are fused at the abdomen and chest.
The etymology of "iliothoracopagus" is derived from the combination of three Greek roots:
1. "ilio" - refers to the ilium, which is the largest bone in the pelvic region.
2. "thoraco" - relates to the thorax, which is the chest region that contains the heart and lungs.
3. "pagus" - means "connected" or "joined".
Therefore, combining these roots, "iliothoracopagus" literally means "joined at the ilium and thorax", accurately describing the specific location where the twins are fused together.