CEPHALOPAGUS Meaning and
Definition
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Cephalopagus is a medical term derived from the Greek words "kephalé" meaning head, and "pagos" meaning fixed. It refers to a rare congenital condition of conjoined twins who are fused at the head, sharing a single cranium. This condition occurs when the twins fail to separate completely during embryonic development, resulting in a fused skull and a shared central nervous system.
In cephalopagus twins, the two bodies are joined by the head, with each twin possessing their own face, limbs, and organs below the neck. However, their skulls are conjoined, often sharing a single brain or having partially fused brains. This complex malformation poses numerous challenges, including shared blood circulation, potential interference with normal brain development, and difficulties in surgical separation.
Cephalopagus twins are an extremely rare occurrence, and their survival beyond birth is exceedingly rare. The condition is classified as one of the most severe forms of conjoined twins, requiring interdisciplinary medical teams for their management. Given the complex nature of their condition, treatment options are limited, and the chances of successful separation are low.
Medical professionals and researchers continue to study cephalopagus twins to gain a deeper understanding of the condition and explore potential therapeutic interventions. The understanding of cephalopagus is crucial not only for medical purposes but also to raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals affected by this condition and their families.
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A twin monster joined at the head.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CEPHALOPAGUS
- xephalopagus
- vephalopagus
- fephalopagus
- dephalopagus
- cwphalopagus
- csphalopagus
- cdphalopagus
- crphalopagus
- c4phalopagus
- c3phalopagus
- ceohalopagus
- celhalopagus
- ce-halopagus
- ce0halopagus
- cepgalopagus
- cepbalopagus
- cepnalopagus
- cepjalopagus
- cepualopagus
- cepyalopagus
Etymology of CEPHALOPAGUS
The word "cephalopagus" is derived from combining two Greek words: "kephalē" meaning "head" and "pagos" meaning "fixed or fastened". Therefore, "cephalopagus" literally translates to "head fixed or fastened". The term is primarily used in medical context to describe conjoined twins who are fused at the head.
Similar spelling word for CEPHALOPAGUS
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