SYNCEPHALUS Meaning and
Definition
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Syncephalus is a medical term derived from the Greek words "syn," meaning together, and "kephalos," meaning head. It refers to an extremely rare congenital disorder characterized by the fusion of two or more separate heads into a single structure. Syncephalus is a type of craniofacial abnormality that occurs during early embryonic development when the neural tube fails to split into separate structures, resulting in the formation of conjoined heads.
Individuals affected by syncephalus exhibit two or more well-formed heads, each with their own distinct facial features. However, these heads are connected and share vital organs such as the brain, skull, and in some cases, the cardiovascular system. This condition poses significant challenges for normal functioning, as coordination between the multiple heads is limited and may hinder proper sensory perception and motor control.
Syncephalus is an extremely rare condition, and there have been only a few documented cases throughout medical history. Due to the complex nature of the condition, treatment options are limited and primarily focused on managing associated symptoms and improving the quality of life for affected individuals. Surgical separation may be considered in certain cases, but it carries a high risk due to the shared vital structures.
Further research and exploration of this condition are necessary to gain a better understanding of its causes, potential treatments, and long-term outcomes.
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A double monster having a single head with two bodies; symphyocephalus, monocephalus: of. craniopagus, janiceps.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SYNCEPHALUS
- ayncephalus
- zyncephalus
- xyncephalus
- dyncephalus
- eyncephalus
- wyncephalus
- stncephalus
- sgncephalus
- shncephalus
- suncephalus
- s7ncephalus
- s6ncephalus
- sybcephalus
- symcephalus
- syjcephalus
- syhcephalus
- synxephalus
- synvephalus
- synfephalus
- syndephalus
Etymology of SYNCEPHALUS
The word "syncephalus" comes from the Greek roots "syn", meaning together or united, and "kephalos", meaning head. It is derived from the combination of these roots to describe a rare medical condition where two or more individuals are conjoined at the head, sharing a single body with multiple heads.
