Heterotopy

/ˌhɛtərˈɑːtəpi/ noun

Definition

The occurrence or state of tissue, bone, or organs being located in an abnormal position in the body.

Etymology

Greek 'hetero-' (different) and 'topy' (place); related to 'heterotopia' but used more broadly in pathological and developmental biology.

Kelly Says

Heterotopy after surgery is so common that it has a formal name—heterotopic ossification—where bone grows in muscles after injury, essentially turning soft tissue into accidental armor.

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