Celioschisis

/ˌseːliəʊˈskɪsɪs/ noun

Definition

A congenital splitting or cleft of the abdominal wall, or a surgical opening of the abdomen.

Etymology

From Greek koilia (belly) + schisis (splitting, cleft). The root 'schisis' appears in conditions like cleft palate where tissues fail to fuse during development.

Kelly Says

Some babies are born with their abdominal walls not fully closed—celioschisis describes this serious birth defect that requires surgery to repair!

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