Partial Anencephaly is a medical condition in which a baby is born with an underdeveloped brain and skull. The spelling of this word can be broken down phonetically as /ˈpɑːtʃəl əˌnɛnsəˈfæli/. The stress falls on the second syllable of each word, and the "ch" in "partial" is pronounced like a hard "k". The "a" in "anencephaly" is pronounced with a schwa sound, and the "ph" is pronounced as an "f". This condition can lead to severe developmental disabilities and requires intensive care.
Partial anencephaly is a congenital malformation characterized by incomplete development of the brain and skull during fetal development. Anencephaly itself refers to the absence of major portions of the brain, skull, and scalp. However, in the case of partial anencephaly, the underdevelopment is only partial, meaning that there is some brain tissue and skull formation present, albeit with significant abnormalities.
In this condition, the brain structures that are most commonly affected are the forebrain and the cerebral hemispheres. As a result, individuals with partial anencephaly may have a prominent bulging area at the front of the skull due to the underdeveloped brain structures. The severity of the malformation can vary, with some individuals having more functional brain tissue than others.
Partial anencephaly typically leads to significant neurological deficits, including intellectual and developmental disabilities. Other associated abnormalities may include hydrocephalus (accumulation of fluid in the brain), facial abnormalities, and musculoskeletal defects.
Diagnosis of partial anencephaly is often made during routine prenatal ultrasound examinations, although further testing may be required to confirm the condition. Unfortunately, there is no cure for partial anencephaly, and treatment focuses on managing the associated symptoms and providing supportive care.
It is important to note that partial anencephaly is a rare condition, and its exact causes are still not fully understood. However, genetic factors and environmental influences are thought to play a role.
The term "partial anencephaly" is a combination of two words: "partial" and "anencephaly".
The word "partial" comes from the Latin word "pars", meaning "part" or "piece". It is used in English to refer to something that is not complete or whole, indicating that in the context of anencephaly, only a part of the brain is affected.
The word "anencephaly" is a medical term derived from the Greek words "a", meaning "without", and "enkephalos", meaning "brain". It refers to a neural tube defect where a major part of the brain, skull, and scalp do not develop properly during embryonic development.
Therefore, "partial anencephaly" describes a condition where there is an incomplete or partial development of the brain.