Schistoglossia, pronounced /skiːstəˈɡlɒsiə/, is a word used in biology and medical fields to describe a condition where the tongue is split into two or more parts. The word is derived from the Greek words "schistos," meaning split, and "glossa," meaning tongue. The spelling of the word is explained by its phonetic transcription, which breaks down each syllable into individual sounds. The "sch" sound is pronounced as /sk/, while the "i" sound is pronounced as /iː/. The emphasis in the word falls on the second syllable.
Schistoglossia is a term derived from the Greek words "schistos," meaning to split or cleave, and "glossa," meaning tongue. It is a medical and anatomical term that refers to the condition of having a fissured or split tongue. This condition is also known as fissured tongue, lingua plicata, or plicated tongue.
In schistoglossia, the surface of the tongue develops deep grooves or furrows, which divide the tongue into multiple lobes or sections. These furrows can vary in depth and can be shallow or deep. The grooves typically extend longitudinally, running from the back of the tongue towards the tip.
The causes of schistoglossia are not fully understood, but it is believed to be a congenital or inherited condition. It may also be associated with certain systemic conditions, such as Down syndrome or psoriasis. In some cases, schistoglossia can be a benign anatomical variation, while in others, it may be linked to certain medical conditions or vitamin deficiencies.
While schistoglossia is generally harmless and does not require treatment, it can sometimes be associated with oral health issues. Food particles and debris may get trapped in the furrows, leading to an increased risk of oral infections or bad breath. Proper oral hygiene, including regular brushing and cleaning of the tongue, can help mitigate these risks.
Overall, schistoglossia is a condition characterized by a split or fissured tongue, and while it is generally harmless, it may be associated with certain medical conditions or oral health issues.
A congenital fissure or cleft of the tongue.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "schistoglossia" is formed from the combination of two Greek roots: "schistos" and "glossa".
1. "Schistos" (σχιστός) is derived from the verb "schizein" (σχίζειν), which means "to split" or "to cleave". It is often used in scientific terminology to refer to things that are split, divided, or fissured.
2. "Glossa" (γλῶσσα) means "tongue" in Greek. It is commonly used in medical and anatomical contexts to describe various features or conditions related to the tongue.
Therefore, "schistoglossia" can be understood to mean "a split or fissured tongue".