How Do You Spell METOPIC SUTURE?

Pronunciation: [mɛtˈɒpɪk sˈuːt͡ʃə] (IPA)

The term "metopic suture" is a medical term used to describe the vertical suture line on the forehead that separates the two halves of the frontal bone in infants. The correct spelling of the word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /mɛˈtɑpɪk/ for "metopic" and /ˈsuːtjʊər/ for "suture". It is important to spell medical terms correctly to ensure clear communication between healthcare professionals and accurate record-keeping.

METOPIC SUTURE Meaning and Definition

1. Metopic suture refers to a specific type of cranial suture that exists between the two frontal bones in the human skull. It is commonly present in infants and young children, although it eventually fuses together as a person grows older. The metopic suture runs along the midline of the forehead, dividing the frontal bone into two halves.

   Typically, the metopic suture starts at the nasion, which is the apex of the bridge of the nose, and extends upward towards the hairline. It forms an inverted V-shape, resembling a ridge or seam on the forehead. This suture plays a crucial role during early infancy, as it allows for the flexibility and expansion of the skull bones as the brain develops rapidly.

   When the metopic suture fails to close or fuse during the usual developmental timeline, a condition known as metopic craniosynostosis can occur. This condition contributes to the persistence of the metopic ridge, causing a triangular-shaped forehead and potential associated craniofacial abnormalities. In such cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct the abnormality and relieve any potential compression on the brain.

   In summary, metopic suture refers to the central cranial suture between the two frontal bones of the skull. It normally fuses together as a child grows older, ensuring proper skull development. However, if it fails to fuse, it can result in metopic craniosynostosis, necessitating medical intervention for correction.

2. Frontal suture, the suture between the two halves of the frontal bone in the newborn.

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

Common Misspellings for METOPIC SUTURE

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

Etymology of METOPIC SUTURE

The word "metopic suture" is derived from two components: "metopic" and "suture".

The term "metopic" is from the Greek word "metopion", which means "forehead" or "forehead space". This word is derived from the Greek root "meta", which can signify "beyond", "across", or "in the midst of", and "opion", meaning "scroll".

The term "suture" originates from the Latin word "sutura", which means "a sewing together" or "a seam". It can also refer to "a stitch" or "a joining".

Therefore, "metopic suture" refers to the seam or joint found in the middle of the forehead, which can be present during early development but typically fuses and disappears with age.