SYNCHONDROSIS SPHENOOCCIPITALIS Meaning and
Definition
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Synchondrosis sphenooccipitalis is a term used in anatomy to describe a specific type of joint found between the sphenoid bone of the cranium and the occipital bone at the base of the skull. It is a primary cartilaginous joint, characterized by a plate of hyaline cartilage acting as a connector between the two bones.
In a synchondrosis, the cartilage plate is responsible for maintaining joint integrity and enabling limited but essential movements. The sphenooccipital synchondrosis is situated in the midline of the skull, between the anterior margin of the foramen magnum (opening at the base of the skull) and the posterior border of the body of the sphenoid bone.
This synchondrosis serves a crucial role during early development by permitting slight movements and flexibility between the sphenoid and occipital bones, allowing for the growth and development of the skull and brain. As an individual ages and skeletal maturation occurs, the synchondrosis sphenooccipitalis typically undergoes fusion, converting into a synostosis, where the two bones fully fuse, eliminating movement and forming a solid joint.
Understanding the anatomy and development of the synchondrosis sphenooccipitalis is crucial in fields such as orthodontics, ENT surgery, and craniofacial surgery, as it relates to the growth and development of the skull and abnormalities that may arise in this region.
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Cartilaginous union in the new-born between the body of the sphenoid and the basilar portion of the occipital.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SYNCHONDROSIS SPHENOOCCIPITALIS
Etymology of SYNCHONDROSIS SPHENOOCCIPITALIS
The term "synchondrosis sphenooccipitalis" is a compound word that combines two Greek roots: "syn-" and "chondros".
1. "Syn-" is a prefix meaning "together" or "with". It is derived from the Greek word "syn", which has the same meaning.
2. "Chondros" is a Greek word meaning "cartilage".
"Sphenooccipitalis" is a combination of two Latin words:
1. "Spheno-" is derived from the Latin word "sphenoides", which refers to the sphenoid bone, a cranial bone in the skull.
2. "Occipitalis" refers to the occipital bone, another cranial bone located at the back of the skull.
