"Nanocephalous" is an adjective that refers to an individual or an organism characterized by an abnormally small or underdeveloped head in relation to its body size or age. The term "nanocephalous" is derived from the Greek words "nanos," meaning dwarf or small, and "kephalē," meaning head.
The condition of being nanocephalous, also known as microcephaly, is most commonly observed in newborn infants, but it can also occur during fetal development or later in life due to various genetic, environmental, or developmental factors. Those affected by nanocephaly typically exhibit a head circumference significantly smaller than that of individuals of the same age and sex. This developmental anomaly can lead to a range of neurological and cognitive impairments.
In medical and scientific literature, "nanocephalous" is often used to describe specific syndromes or disorders linked to microcephaly, including genetic conditions such as Down syndrome, as well as prenatal exposure to certain infections, drugs, or toxins. In recent years, the term gained widespread attention due to the association between nanocephaly and the Zika virus, which caused an outbreak in several parts of the world.
In conclusion, "nanocephalous" describes an individual or organism with an abnormally small head in proportion to their body size, typically caused by genetic or environmental factors.
