WORMIAN BONES Meaning and
Definition
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Wormian bones, also known as intra-sutural bones or sutural bones, refer to small additional bone fragments that may be found within the sutures or joints of the skull. These extra bones are not normally present but can occur as small irregularly-shaped structures, resembling puzzle pieces, wedged between the main cranial bones where the sutures meet. Wormian bones derive their name from Ole Worm, a Danish physician who first described them in the 17th century.
Wormian bones are considered anatomical variations rather than abnormalities, occurring in a non-systematic and unpredictable pattern. They typically appear more frequently in adults with conditions or factors that disrupt the development of normal cranial bones, such as osteogenesis imperfecta (a genetic disorder characterized by brittle bones), cleidocranial dysplasia (a congenital condition affecting bone and teeth development), or certain metabolic disorders.
Although Wormian bones are usually benign and asymptomatic, they can sometimes be clinically significant. In certain cases, the presence of these additional bones may complicate skull radiography, requiring specialized imaging techniques to accurately diagnose cranial abnormalities. Additionally, Wormian bones have been associated with an increased risk of cranial traumatic injuries due to their susceptibility to fractures.
In conclusion, Wormian bones are extra bone fragments that may be found within the sutures of the skull. While typically benign, these structures can be associated with certain genetic or metabolic disorders and may require specialized imaging for accurate diagnosis.
Common Misspellings for WORMIAN BONES
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Etymology of WORMIAN BONES
The term "Wormian bones" is named after the Danish physician Olaus Wormius (1588-1654), also known as Ole Worm. Wormius was a renowned anatomist and natural historian who made significant contributions to the study of osteology and human bones. He published a seminal work on human anatomy called "Museum Wormianum" in 1655, which included detailed descriptions and illustrations of various skeletal abnormalities, including the extra bones found in the skull. These additional bones, which are also known as sutural bones or intra-sutural bones, were named Wormian bones in his honor.
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