Exencephaly
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Exencephaly is a developmental anomaly of the skull bones and brain tissue, characterized by either complete absence of cranial vault bones exposing brain matter, or a limited defect in the skull through which brain tissue with meninges protrudes. The latter condition is more commonly referred to as brain hernia.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
EXENCEPHALY (from Latin ex- and Greek kephalos-brain), literally brain outside, a developmental anomaly of the bones of the skull and brain tissue, expressed either in the complete absence of cranial coverings and the bones themselves (specifically the vault) of the skull, with masses of underdeveloped brain tissue with meninges lying completely exposed [Exencephaly in therapy (see)), or in the presence of only a limited defect in the cranial box, through which parts of the brain tissue with meninges protrude under the skin; in the latter case, it is more common to speak of brain hernia (hernia cerebralis, cephalocele) - see Hydrocephalocele, Hydrocephalomeningocele.
Related articles
Mentioned in
Cite this page
“Exencephaly.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/exencephaly/