How Do You Spell SCAPHOCEPHALY?

Pronunciation: [skˈafə͡ʊsfəli] (IPA)

Scaphocephaly is a medical term used to describe a condition where the skull has a long and narrow shape. The word is pronounced /skæfəʊˈsefəli/ (skaf-oh-SEF-uh-lee). The first four letters 's-c-a-p' spell out the Greek word skaphe, meaning 'boat,' which alludes to the shape of the skull in this condition. 'Ocephaly' is derived from the Greek word kephalē, which means 'head.' Therefore, scaphocephaly can be literally translated to 'boat-shaped head.' Understanding the word's etymology is helpful in understanding the meaning and pronunciation of such complex technical terms.

SCAPHOCEPHALY Meaning and Definition

1. Scaphocephaly is a term used in medical and anthropological contexts to describe a specific type of craniosynostosis, a condition characterized by the premature closure of one or more cranial sutures during infancy. This closure restricts normal skull growth, resulting in an abnormally shaped skull. In the case of scaphocephaly, the saggital suture, which runs from the front to the back of the skull, closes prematurely, causing the head to elongate and develop a narrow, boat-shaped appearance.

   The word "scaphocephaly" is derived from the Greek words "skaphe" meaning "boat" and "kephalē" meaning "head." This term accurately describes the characteristic shape of the affected skull, resembling the hull of a boat. Clinically, scaphocephaly is diagnosed by observing the shape of the head, often accompanied by imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans.

   Scaphocephaly can be congenital or acquired. Congenital scaphocephaly typically occurs due to a genetic mutation or syndromes, such as Apert syndrome. Acquired scaphocephaly may result from external forces that cause premature suture closure, such as repeated pressure on the skull during infancy.

   Treatment for scaphocephaly usually involves surgical intervention to correct the abnormal head shape and allow for normal brain growth. The specific procedure varies depending on the severity and age of the child, but most commonly involves a surgical reconstruction of the cranial bones and reshaping of the skull. With appropriate intervention, children with scaphocephaly can achieve a more normal cranial shape and potentially avoid complications associated with restricted brain growth.

2. Scaphocephalism.

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

Common Misspellings for SCAPHOCEPHALY

• acaphocephaly
• zcaphocephaly
• xcaphocephaly
• dcaphocephaly
• ecaphocephaly
• wcaphocephaly
• sxaphocephaly
• svaphocephaly
• sfaphocephaly
• sdaphocephaly
• sczphocephaly
• scsphocephaly
• scwphocephaly
• scqphocephaly
• scaohocephaly
• scalhocephaly
• sca-hocephaly
• sca0hocephaly
• scapgocephaly

Etymology of SCAPHOCEPHALY

The word "scaphocephaly" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "scaphē" meaning "boat" and "cephalē" meaning "head". "Scaphocephaly" is a medical term used to describe a condition characterized by a long, narrow, boat-shaped head. This term is commonly used in the field of craniofacial surgery to denote a specific type of craniosynostosis, which is the early closure of one or more cranial sutures resulting in abnormal skull growth.

Similar spelling word for SCAPHOCEPHALY

• scaphosepalum.