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anomaly - a health problem or feature not normally
present in a healthy individual; a deviation from the normal.
anosmia - lack of sense of smell.
anterior - the front side.
anterior fontanelle (Also called soft spot.) - the
junction where the two frontal and two parietal bones meet.
The anterior fontanelle remains soft until about 2 years of
age.
Apert syndrome - A craniofacial abnormality characterized
by an abnormal head shape, small upper jaw, and fusion of
the fingers and toes.
asymmetry - lacking symmetry; parts of the body are
unequal in shape or size.
audiologist - a healthcare professional trained to
identify and measure hearing impairments and related disorders
using a variety of tests and procedures.
audiology - the study of hearing and hearing disorders.
auditory nerve - eighth cranial nerve that connects
the inner ear to the brainstem.
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bilateral - affecting both sides.
bone graft - a transplant of bone taken from one area
to another area.
brachycephaly - disproportionate shortness of the
head.
bruxism - the condition of incessant grinding and
clenching of the teeth, unintentionally, and at inappropriate
times.
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cephalometric x-ray - an e-ray with the patient's
head in a fixed position, from which measurements of the cranium
and the face can be made.
choroid - the thin, blood-rich membrane that covers
the white of the eyeball; responsible for supplying blood
to the retina.
chromosome - a structure in the nucleus of cells which
contains genes.
ciliary body - the part of the eye that produces aqueous
humor (the clear, watery fluid that moves in the eyeball).
cleft lip - an abnormality in which the lip does not
completely form. The degree of the cleft lip can vary greatly,
from mild (notching of the lip) to severe (large opening from
the lip up through the nose).
cleft palate - occurs when the roof of the mouth does
not completely close, leaving an opening that can extend into
the nasal cavity. The cleft may involve either side of the
palate. It can extend from the front of the mouth (hard palate)
to the throat (soft palate). The cleft may also include the
lip.
cochlea - snail-shaped structure in the inner ear
that contains the organ of hearing.
computed tomography scan (Also called CT or CAT scan.)
- a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of
x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional
images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically,
of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of
the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT
scans are more detailed than general x-rays.
conductive hearing impairment - hearing loss caused
by dysfunction of the outer or middle ear.
condyle - the joint portion of the lower jaw.
congenital - present at birth.
congenital anomaly - a health problem present at birth
(not necessarily genetic).
cornea - the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers
the front of the eye.
corneal curvature - the shape of the front surface
of the eye.
coronal suture - the joining line (suture) between
the frontal and parietal bones of the skull that crosses the
top of the skull from temple to temple.
craniofacial - pertaining to the head (skull) and
face.
craniosynostosis - a condition in which the sutures
(soft spots) in the skull of an infant close too early, causing
problems with normal brain and skull growth. Premature closure
of the sutures may also cause the pressure inside of the head
to increase and the skull or facial bones to change from a
normal, symmetrical appearance.
crossbite - an abnormal relation of one or more teeth,
in which the buccal or outside cups of the lower (mandibular)
teeth are lateral to the those of the upper (maxillary) teeth.
cytogenetics - the study of chromosomal material.
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decibel - unit that measures the intensity or loudness
of sound.
deciduous teeth - the primary teeth (baby teeth) which
are replaced by the permanent teeth.
dental arch - the horseshoe-shaped sections of the
jaws that contain the teeth.
depth perception - the ability to distinguish objects
in a visual field.
diagnostic testing - used to identify or confirm the
diagnosis of a disease or a condition in a person or a family.
diplopia - double vision.
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E.N.T. - referring to the ear, nose, and throat.
eustachian tube -a canal that links the middle ear
with the throat area. The eustachian tube helps to keep the
pressure between the outer ear and the middle ear the same.
Having the same pressure allows for the proper transfer of
sound waves. The eustachian tube is lined with mucous, just
like the inside of the nose and throat.
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frontal bone - front part of the skull.
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gene - a segment of DNA that produces a protein product;
genes determine traits.
gene therapy - inserting the normal gene into a person,
to replace a non-working or missing gene.
genetic - determined by genes or chromosomes.
genetic counselor - a professional who reviews the
medical and family history, as well as examines your child
to help in diagnosis. A genetic counselor also counsels your
family regarding risk for recurrence of craniofacial abnormalities
in future pregnancies.
genioplasty - surgery of the chin, whereby its shape
or size is altered.
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hard palate - the roof of the mouth.
hearing - series of events in which sound waves in
the air are converted to electrical signals that are then
sent as nerve impulses to the brain where they are interpreted.
hearing aid - electronic device that brings amplified
sound to the ear.
hearing disorder - disruption in the normal hearing
process; sound waves are not converted to electrical signals
and nerve impulses are not transmitted to the brain to be
interpreted.
hemifacial microsomia (Also called Goldenhar syndrome,
brachial arch syndrome, facio-auriculo-vertebral syndrome,
oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum, or lateral facial dysplasia.)
- a condition in which the tissues on one side of the face
are underdeveloped, affecting primarily the ear (aural), mouth
(oral), and jaw (mandibular) areas. Sometimes, both sides
of the face can be affected and may involve the skull, as
well as the face.
hydrocephalus - a condition marked by an excessive
accumulation of fluid within the brain.
hyaloid canal - narrow passageway that allows blood
to flow through the eye during development.
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inheritance - used to describe a trait or gene passed
from one generation to the next.
inner ear - part of the ear that contains both the
organ of hearing (cochlea) and the organ of balance (labyrinth).
iris - the colored part of the eye. The iris is partly
responsible for regulating the amount of light permitted to
enter the eye.
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larynx (Also called voice box.) - a cylindrical
grouping of cartilage, muscles, and soft tissue which contains
the vocal cords. The vocal cords are the upper opening into
the windpipe (trachea), the passageway to the lungs.
lens (Also called crystalline lens.) - the transparent
structure inside the eye that focuses light rays onto the
retina.
lower eyelid - lower, inferior, less mobile fold that
covers the front of the eyeball when closed.
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macula - the portion of the eye that allows us to
see fine details clearly.
malocclusion - an orthodontic or orthognathic problem
that means "bad bite," including crowded, missing,
or crooked teeth, extra teeth, or a misaligned jaw.
mandible - the lower jaw.
mastoid - back portion of the temporal bone behind
the ear.
maxilla - the upper jaw.
medial canthus - medial (middle or center) angle of
the eye.
microgenia - a small or underdeveloped chin.
microglossia - smallness of the tongue.
micrognathia - abnormal smallness of the lower jaw.
middle ear - part of the ear that includes the eardrum
and three tiny bones of the middle ear, ending at the round
window that leads to the inner ear.
multifactorial - an inheritance pattern involving
both genetic and environmental factors.
myringotomy - surgical procedure to remove infection
from the mastoid bone.
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nasal - relating to the nose.
neurosurgeon - a surgeon who specializes in the brain,
spinal cord, and nerves; also coordinates all surgical interventions
of head abnormalities with the craniofacial surgeons (i.e.,
craniosynostosis).
nurse team coordinator - a registered nurse who combines
experience in pediatric nursing with specialization in the
care of your child, and acts as liaison between your family
and the craniofacial team.
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occlusion - any contact between the biting and chewing
surfaces of the upper and lower teeth.
ophthalmologist - a physician who specializes in the
structures, functionality, and diseases of the eye. An ophthalmologist
evaluates and plans treatment of associated eye problems in
coordination with other surgical interventions.
ophthalmoscopy - examination of the internal structure
of the eye.
oropharynx - the part of the throat at the back of
the mouth.
oral cavity - relating to the mouth cavity.
orbit - the bony area surrounding the eyeball.
orthodontics - the dental specialty that focuses on
the development, prevention, and correction of irregularities
of the teeth, bite, and jaws.
orthodontist - a dentist who evaluates the position
and alignment of your child's teeth and coordinates a treatment
plan with the surgeon and other specialists.
ostectomy - surgical removal of a bone.
otitis externa - inflammation of the outer part of
the ear extending to the auditory canal.
otitis media - inflammation of the middle ear caused
by infection.
otolaryngologist (ear-nose-throat specialist) - a
physician who will assist in the evaluation and management
of ear infections and hearing loss that may be side effects
of your child's cleft abnormality.
otologist - a physician who specializes in diseases
of the ear.
outer ear - external portion of the ear, consisting
of the pinna, or auricle, and the ear canal.
overbite - the up and down (vertical) overlapping
of the lower teeth by the upper teeth.
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pediatric dentist - a dentist who evaluates and cares
for your child's teeth.
pediatrician - a physician who will follow your child
as he/she grows and help coordinate the multiple specialists
involved.
periodontist - a specialist in the field of dentistry
responsible for the care and prevention of gum-related diseases,
guided bone regeneration, and dental implants.
pharynx - back of the throat.
phonology - study of speech sounds.
plastic/craniofacial surgeon - a surgeon with specialized
training in the diagnosis and treatment of skeletal abnormalities
of the skull, facial bones, and soft tissue; will work closely
with the orthodontists and other specialists to coordinate
a surgical plan.
posterior - referring to the back part of a structure.
posterior fontanelle - the junction of the two parietal
bones and the occipital bone. The posterior fontanelle usually
closes first, before the anterior fontanelle, during the first
several months.
prosthesis - a device that is substituted for a diseased
or missing part of the body.
psychiatrist - a physician who assesses the psychosocial
function and behavioral development of your child. The psychiatrist
will assist the family in identifying therapy resources and
coordinates referrals with the social services department.
pupil - the dark center in the middle of the iris
through which light passes to the back of the eye.
pupillary response - the constriction or dilation
of the pupil as stimulated by light.
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retina - the light-sensitive nerve layer that lines
the back of the eye. The retina senses light and creates impulses
that are sent through the optic nerve to the brain.
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scaphocephaly - a form of craniosynostosis that results
in a long, narrow head. Scaphocephaly is an early fusion of
the sagittal suture. This suture runs front to back, down
the middle of the top of the head.
sclera - the white visible portion of the eyeball.
The muscles that move the eyeball are attached to the sclera.
smell - to perceive odor or scent through stimuli
affecting the olfactory nerves.
soft palate - the muscular, movable part of the roof
of the mouth.
sound vocalization - ability to produce voice.
speech - making definite vocal sounds that form words
to express thoughts and ideas.
speech and language specialist - a health professional
who will perform a comprehensive speech evaluation to assess
your child's communicative abilities and who will closely
monitor your child throughout all developmental stages.
speech disorder - defect or abnormality that prevents
an individual from communicating by means of spoken words.
syndrome - a group of characteristics that occur together.
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temporomandibular joints (TMJ) - the two complex joints
that connect the jaw (mandible) to the skull (temporal bone).
throat disorders - disorders or diseases of the larynx
(voice box) or esophagus.
tongue - large muscle on the floor of the mouth that
manipulates food for chewing and swallowing; the main organ
of taste and also assists in forming speech sounds.
trachea - windpipe.
trigonocephaly - a form of craniosynostosis that results
in a triangular configuration of the skull. Trigonocephaly
is the premature fusion of the two halves of the frontal bones
at the metopic suture.
tympanic membrane (Also called eardrum.) - a thin
membrane that in the middle ear that carries sound vibrations
to the inner ear.
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unilateral - affecting only one side.
uvula - the small, cone-shaped fleshy pendant suspended
in the mouth from the middle of the back edge of the soft
palate.
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vascular malformation - a birthmark or a growth, present
at birth, which is composed of blood vessels that can cause
functional or aesthetic problems.
vestibule - bony cavity of the inner ear.
vocal cords (Also called vocal folds.) - muscularized
folds of mucous membrane that extend from the larynx (voice
box) wall; enclosed in elastic vocal ligament and muscle that
control the tension and rate of vibration of the cords as
air passes through them.
voice - sound produced by air passing out through
the larynx and upper respiratory tract.
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x-ray - a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic
energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones,
and organs onto film.
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zygoma - malar bone, cheek bone.
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