ANENCEPHALIA Meaning and
Definition
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Anencephalia is a rare congenital condition characterized by the incomplete or total absence of the brain and skull. Derived from the Greek words "an-" (without) and "céphalos" (head), the term describes the severe malformation in which the neural tube fails to close during early embryonic development. As a result, vital brain structures, including the cerebral hemispheres, cerebellum, and the brainstem, are either completely missing or severely underdeveloped.
Infants born with anencephalia typically have a rudimentary brain stem that governs basic functions like breathing and heartbeat, but lack higher cognitive functions. The malformed skull often exposes the brain tissue, leaving the baby vulnerable to infections and other complications. Due to the severity of the condition and the absence of functioning brain components, anencephalia is not compatible with life.
The exact cause of anencephalia remains unclear, although genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role. The condition is typically identified during prenatal ultrasounds or at birth when the absence of major brain structures is evident. While anencephalia is incurable and management is mainly supportive, termination of prenatal pregnancies is often considered due to the poor prognosis for affected babies.
In conclusion, anencephalia refers to a congenital disorder characterized by the incomplete or total absence of the brain and skull, resulting in severely underdeveloped or non-existent brain structures and a non-viable condition.
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Anencephaly, absence of the brain.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ANENCEPHALIA
- znencephalia
- snencephalia
- wnencephalia
- qnencephalia
- abencephalia
- amencephalia
- ajencephalia
- ahencephalia
- anwncephalia
- ansncephalia
- andncephalia
- anrncephalia
- an4ncephalia
- an3ncephalia
- anebcephalia
- anemcephalia
- anejcephalia
- anehcephalia
- anenxephalia
Etymology of ANENCEPHALIA
The word anencephalia is derived from the Greek roots a- meaning without or lacking, enkephalos meaning brain, and the suffix -ia indicating a medical condition or disorder. Thus, anencephalia literally means lack of brain.
Similar spelling words for ANENCEPHALIA
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