MERORRHACHISCHISIS Meaning and
Definition
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Merorrhachischisis is a medical term that refers to a rare and severe congenital malformation characterized by the incomplete closure of the spinal cord during fetal development. This condition is considered a type of neural tube defect, which typically occurs within the first month of pregnancy when the neural tube fails to close completely.
In merorrhachischisis, the spinal cord remains completely exposed due to the absence of bone and skin covering. This abnormality can affect the entire length of the spinal cord, leading to significant neurological problems. The condition often results in various neurological deficits and may cause paralysis, loss of sensation, and bowel or bladder dysfunction.
Diagnosis of merorrhachischisis is usually made prenatally during ultrasound examinations, although it may also be detected shortly after birth. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the defect, but surgical intervention is often necessary shortly after birth to repair the spinal cord and prevent additional complications.
The causes of merorrhachischisis are not well understood, but multiple factors are believed to contribute, including genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and nutritional deficiencies such as inadequate intake of folic acid during pregnancy. Prevention may be possible through the use of folic acid supplements before conception and during early pregnancy.
In summary, merorrhachischisis is a complex and severe form of spinal cord malformation characterized by the incomplete closure of the neural tube during fetal development. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate medical intervention are crucial for managing this condition and minimizing long-term complications.
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Fissure of a portion of the spinal cord.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MERORRHACHISCHISIS
- meroarrhachischisis
- m erorrhachischisis
- me rorrhachischisis
- mer orrhachischisis
- mero rrhachischisis
- meror rhachischisis
- merorr hachischisis
- merorrh achischisis
- merorrha chischisis
- merorrhac hischisis
- merorrhach ischisis
- merorrhachi schisis
- merorrhachis chisis
- merorrhachisc hisis
- merorrhachisch isis
- merorrhachischi sis
- merorrhachischis is
- merorrhachischisi s
Etymology of MERORRHACHISCHISIS
The word "merorrhachischisis" is a medical term that describes a severe birth defect characterized by a complete splitting open of the spinal column. The etymology of the word can be broken down as follows:
1. "mero-" is a combining form meaning "part" or "partial".
2. "rrh" is a combining form meaning "flow" or "discharge".
3. "-rachi-" is a combining form derived from the Greek word "rhachis", meaning "spinal column" or "spine".
4. "-schisis" is a suffix derived from the Greek word "skhízein", which means "to split" or "to cleave".
Therefore, the combination of these elements in "merorrhachischisis" creates a term indicating the partial splitting or division of the spinal column, specifically referring to the birth defect condition.
