Definition: Cephalic is an adjective referring to anything related to the head. In medical terms, it often describes positions, orientations, or conditions associated with the head.
Etymology & Origin: The term ‘cephalic’ originates from the Greek word ‘kephalikos,’ which is derived from ‘kephalē,’ meaning ‘head.’ It entered English in the early 17th century, primarily used in medical and anatomical contexts.
Examples:
- The cephalic vein is a large vein running along the arm, commonly used for intravenous access.
- In obstetrics, a cephalic presentation refers to a fetus positioned head-down in preparation for birth.
- The doctor noted cephalic measurements to track the baby’s head growth during the prenatal check-up.
