The term "pili annulati" describes a rare genetic hair condition characterized by a unique banding pattern. The word "pili", pronounced [ˈpɪli], comes from the Latin word for hair. "Annulati", pronounced [əˈnjuːləti], is derived from the Latin word "annulatus" meaning ringed or banded. The use of Latin in the term reflects the medical community’s tradition of using this language in naming conditions. While the spelling of "pili annulati" may be challenging, its precise pronunciation through IPA phonetic transcription helps to properly communicate this important medical term.
Pili annulati is a rare hair disorder that is characterized by the presence of alternating light and dark bands or rings along the length of the hair shaft. The term "pili annulati" is derived from the Latin word "pili" which means hair, and "annulati" which means ringed or encircled.
Individuals with pili annulati typically have pale or silvery hair that appears to be divided into bands or rings when viewed under polarized light. The light and dark bands are formed due to air-filled cavities or vacuoles that are present inside the hair shaft. These cavities cause light to reflect differently, resulting in the characteristic banded appearance.
Pili annulati is believed to be an inherited condition, with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. This means that a person only needs to inherit one copy of the abnormal gene from either parent in order to develop the disorder. However, the exact genetic basis of pili annulati is not fully understood.
Apart from the unique appearance of the hair, individuals with pili annulati usually have no accompanying symptoms or medical complications. The condition is generally considered to be benign and does not require any treatment. However, due to the fragility of the hair shafts, excessive hair manipulation or the use of chemical treatments may cause breakage or damage.
In conclusion, pili annulati is a rare hair disorder characterized by the presence of alternating light and dark bands along the hair shaft. It is typically an inherited condition with no associated health complications.
Trichonosus versicolor, leucotrichia annularis, ringed hair.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "pili annulati" is derived from Latin. "Pili" means "hair" and "annulati" means "ringed" or "circled". Therefore, "pili annulati" can be translated as "ringed or banded hair". This term is used in medicine to describe a hair condition characterized by alternating light and dark bands along the hair shaft.