How to Pronounce Myelomeningocele
Definition, meaning, and phonetic spelling
Myelomeningocele Pronunciation
my-eh-loh-meh-NIN-goh-seel
Stressed syllable in ALL CAPS · hyphens separate syllables
Syllable Breakdown
my
eh
loh
meh
NIN
stress here
goh
seel
7 syllables
What is Myelomeningocele?
The most severe form of spina bifida, in which the spinal cord and its protective coverings (meninges) protrude through an opening in the spine, forming a visible sac on the back. It causes varying degrees of paralysis below the level of the defect, as well as bladder and bowel dysfunction, and is almost always accompanied by hydrocephalus.
Questions About Myelomeningocele
How do you pronounce myelomeningocele?
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Myelomeningocele is pronounced MY-eh-loh-meh-NIN-goh-seel. Break it into six syllables: my-eh-loh-meh-nin-go-cele. The stress falls on the fourth syllable, NIN, which is where your voice gets a little louder and stronger.
What is the most common mispronunciation of this word?
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Many people stress the wrong syllable and say my-eh-LOW-meh-nin-goh-seel (with emphasis on the third syllable). The correct version emphasizes the fourth syllable instead: my-eh-loh-meh-NIN-goh-seel.
What do the word parts of myelomeningocele mean?
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This word has three Greek roots: "myelo-" means spinal cord, "meninges" refers to the protective membranes around the spinal cord, and "-cele" means pouch or sac. Put together, the word literally describes a sac containing the spinal cord and its coverings.
What is the short form or abbreviation for myelomeningocele?
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The abbreviation is MMC, pronounced by saying each letter: M-M-C. You might hear doctors or medical professionals use this shorter form in conversation or in written notes.
What does myelomeningocele mean in plain English?
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In everyday language, myelomeningocele refers to a condition where part of the spinal cord and the tissues around it push through an opening in the backbone, creating a visible sac or bulge on a person's back. It's the most severe type of a birth condition called spina bifida.
What other medical words share the root 'myelo'?
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Several words use "myelo-" because it means spinal cord. You might hear myelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord), myelopathy (disease of the spinal cord), or myeloma (a type of cancer). Once you know that "myelo-" means spinal cord, these words become easier to understand.
Can you use myelomeningocele in a sentence?
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Here's an example: "The pediatrician explained that myelomeningocele is characterized by a sac protruding from the spine." In medical settings, you might also hear it shortened to just "MMC" in sentences like, "The patient was diagnosed with MMC at birth."
Why is this word so long and hard to remember?
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Medical words are often long because doctors combine smaller word parts (called roots and suffixes) to describe exactly what is happening in the body. Learning the separate parts—myelo- (spinal cord), -meninges (membranes), and -cele (sac)—makes the whole word easier to remember and say.