caput /cap·ut/ (kap´ut) pl. cap´ita [L.] the head; a general term applied to the expanded or chief extremity of an organ or part.
caput succedaneum
caput succedaneum
caput medu´sae dilated cutaneous veins around the umbilicus, seen mainly in the newborn and in patients with cirrhosis.
caput succeda´neum edema occurring in and under the fetal scalp during labor.
caput suc·ce·da·ne·um (s k s -d  n- m)n. A swelling formed on the presenting part of the head of a fetus during labor, resulting in edema and varying degrees of scalp hemorrhage. |
caput succedaneum
[suk′sədənē′əm]
Etymology: L, caput, head, succeder, to replace
a localized pitting edema in the scalp of a fetus that may overlie sutures of the skull. It is usually formed during labor as a result of the circular pressure of the cervix on the fetal occiput. On vaginal examination the swelling may be mistaken for unruptured membranes. If the caput enlarges appreciably during labor, it may cause an erroneous impression of fetal descent on successive examinations. At birth the baby's head may appear markedly deformed, but the swelling begins to resolve immediately and is usually gone in a few days. Compare cephalhematoma, molding.
caput succedaneum
Neonatology A yarmulka-like edematous bulge that forms on that portion of the infant scalp immediately overlying the cervical os in a vertex presentation; CS is most prominent in prolonged labor and an incompletely
dilated cervix and disappears shortly after birth
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