How Do You Spell METOPIC POINT?

Pronunciation: [mɛtˈɒpɪk pˈɔ͡ɪnt] (IPA)

The word "metopic point" refers to a prominent point on the forehead of some humans. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable, "meto," is pronounced /ˈmɛtəʊ/ with the stress on the first syllable. The second syllable, "pic," is pronounced /pɪk/ with a short "i" sound. The final syllable, "point," is pronounced /pɔɪnt/ with the stress on the second syllable. Therefore, the correct pronunciation of "metopic point" is /ˈmɛtəʊpɪk pɔɪnt/.

METOPIC POINT Meaning and Definition

1. Metopic point, also known as the anterior fontanelle, is a term used in anatomy to describe a specialized area on the human skull. It is the space at the top and front of the skull where the frontal and parietal bones of the cranium meet. The metopic point is typically found in newborns and young infants before the various skull bones have fused together.

   The metopic point is characterized by its diamond or triangular shape and is often referred to as the soft, open spot on a baby's head. It is covered by a thin layer of tough, fibrous tissue known as the anterior fontanelle. This fontanelle serves as a flexible area that allows for the infant's brain to grow and expand during the early stages of development.

   As a result of the metopic point, the infant’s skull is able to accommodate the rapid brain growth that occurs in early life while protecting the brain from trauma. It is also significant for the process of childbirth, as it enables the skull to slightly change shape, allowing the baby's head to pass through the birth canal more easily.

   Over time, as the child grows, the metopic point gradually closes and fuses with the surrounding cranial bones. By the age of 2 to 3 years, the metopic point is typically fully closed, resulting in a solid skull structure without any soft spots.

   In summary, the metopic point is a specialized area on the human skull found in newborns and infants, which allows for brain growth, facilitates easier childbirth, and eventually closes as the child develops.

2. Metopion.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for METOPIC POINT

• netopic point
• ketopic point
• jetopic point
• mwtopic point
• mstopic point
• mdtopic point
• mrtopic point
• m4topic point
• m3topic point
• meropic point
• mefopic point
• megopic point
• meyopic point
• me6opic point
• me5opic point
• metipic point
• metkpic point
• metlpic point
• metppic point
• met0pic point

Etymology of METOPIC POINT

The term "metopic point" is a combination of the words "metopic" and "point".

The word "metopic" refers to the metopic suture, which is a cranial suture found in the human skull. The metopic suture connects the frontal bones of the skull and typically fuses by the age of 2-4 years. In some cases, a metopic ridge or point may persist along this suture line, resulting in what is commonly referred to as a "metopic point".

The word "point" in this context refers to a small, localized protrusion or prominence on the skull's surface.

Therefore, "metopic point" specifically describes a protrusion or ridge located along the metopic suture of the skull.