The word Myelencephalous refers to a congenital abnormality of the brain and spinal cord. The word is pronounced as /maɪəlɛnˈsɛfələs/ which can be broken down into its IPA phonetic symbols. The "my" sound is pronounced as /maɪ/, followed by "elen" which is pronounced as /ˈɛlɛn/. Next is the "ceph" sound which is pronounced as /sɛf/ followed by "alous" which is pronounced as /ˈæləs/. The spelling of the word can be explained by understanding the origin of the word, which comes from the Greek words "myelos" meaning spinal cord and "encephalos" meaning brain.
Myelencephalous is a rare medical term that refers to a condition characterized by a defective development or absence of the myelencephalon, which is the posterior part of the brainstem. The myelencephalon, also called the medulla oblongata, is responsible for vital autonomic functions, including breathing, blood pressure regulation, heart rate control, and other involuntary processes.
Individuals with myelencephalous typically exhibit severe neurological impairments and abnormalities due to the absence or underdevelopment of this critical brain structure. The condition is congenital, meaning it is present at birth, and it is often associated with other anomalies in the central nervous system.
The exact cause of myelencephalous is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a disruption in the normal developmental processes of the brain during fetal development. Genetic factors and environmental influences may play a role in its occurrence.
Myelencephalous is a life-threatening condition as it affects vital functions, and the prognosis for individuals with this condition is generally poor. Treatment options are limited, and supportive care may be provided to manage symptoms and complications associated with the condition.
Overall, myelencephalous is a rare and severe neurological disorder characterized by the absence or defective development of the myelencephalon, leading to significant impairments in autonomic functions and overall neurological function.
Cerebrospinal.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word myelencephalous is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: myelos meaning marrow or spinal cord and enkephalos meaning brain. In Greek, myelos refers specifically to the spinal cord, while enkephalos refers generally to the brain. The suffix -ous is added to form an adjective, giving myelencephalous, which literally means spinal cord and brain.