The word "ultrabrachycephalic" is a term used to describe a skull shape characterized by extreme shortness and width. Its spelling is based on the Greek roots "ultra" meaning "beyond" or "extreme", "brachy" meaning "short", "cephal-" meaning "head", and the suffix "-ic" indicating the adjective form. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /ˌʌltrəbrækɪˈkɛfəlɪk/, with stress on the third syllable. The spelling may seem complex, but it accurately reflects the precise meaning of the term in medical and scientific contexts.
The term "ultrabrachycephalic" is an adjective used to describe a certain cranial shape or condition in humans or animals. Derived from the Greek roots "ultra," meaning beyond or extremely, and "brachycephalic," which refers to a skull with a short breadth, this term specifically indicates an extreme degree of brachycephaly.
Brachycephaly itself refers to a condition characterized by a skull shape that is broader from side to side than it is long from front to back. However, "ultrabrachycephalic" identifies an even more pronounced variation of this state, signifying an exceptionally short and broad skull. This condition is typically determined by measuring specific cranial indices, such as the cephalic or cranial index, which quantifies the width-to-length ratio of the skull.
The term can be used in various medical and anthropological contexts. In human anatomy, it may relate to certain congenital anomalies, syndromes, or genetic disorders that lead to an extremely short and wide head shape. In the field of anthropology, it can refer to a specific cranial form observed in certain ancient populations or specific ethnic groups.
Overall, the term "ultrabrachycephalic" describes an extremely short and broad skull shape, indicating a distinctive anatomy beyond the characteristics of regular brachycephaly.
Noting an extremely short skull, one with a cerebral index of at least 90°.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "ultrabrachycephalic" is composed of three roots: "ultra-", "brachy-", and "cephalic".
- "Ultra-" is a prefix of Latin origin meaning "beyond" or "extremely".
- "Brachy-" is a prefix of Greek origin meaning "short" or "little".
- "Cephalic" is an adjective of Greek origin derived from the word "kephalḗ", meaning "head".
Therefore, "ultrabrachycephalic" refers to an extreme or beyond the normal state of having a short head.