How Do You Spell SYNENCEPHALUS?

1. Synencephalus is a rare and severe type of cephalic disorder characterized by the fusion of the cerebral hemispheres, which leads to the formation of a single large brain structure. This condition occurs during embryonic development when the two halves of the brain fail to separate properly, resulting in a complete absence of the medial structures that normally divide the brain into two distinct hemispheres.

   Individuals with synencephalus usually present with a single, centrally positioned eye (cyclopia) due to the absence or fusion of the eye sockets. Additionally, they may exhibit other facial abnormalities such as a proboscis (a tubular appendage) projecting from the forehead or the presence of two closely spaced eyes (ethmocephaly). These craniofacial malformations are often accompanied by a range of other physical abnormalities affecting different organ systems, such as heart defects and abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract.

   Due to the severe structural abnormalities affecting the brain, individuals with synencephalus typically have profound intellectual and developmental disabilities. The increased intermingling and fusion of brain tissues also result in a range of neurological abnormalities, such as impaired motor control, seizures, and sensory impairments.

   Given the complex nature and severity of synencephalus, this condition is incompatible with life. Consequently, affected individuals are usually stillborn or only survive for a very short period after birth. Extensive medical interventions and surgical treatments are generally not feasible due to the severe structural abnormalities and associated complications.

2. Syncephalus.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for SYNENCEPHALUS

The word "synencephalus" is derived from two Greek roots: "syn-" and "enkephalos".

1. "Syn-" is a prefix in Greek, meaning "together" or "with". It indicates a collective, composite, or cooperative nature.

2. "Enkephalos" is a Greek word that means "brain". It is derived from "en", meaning "in" or "within", and "kephalos", meaning "head".

Therefore, "synencephalus" can be broken down as follows:

"Syn-" (together) + "Enkephalos" (brain) = "Synencephalus"

The term "synencephalus" is a medical term used to describe a condition in which the brain and cranial contents are not adequately separated, resulting in the fusion of the brain structures.