parasitic fetus

fetus /fe·tus/ (fēt´us) [L.] the developing young in the uterus, specifically the unborn offspring in the postembryonic period, in humans from nine weeks after fertilization until birth.

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harlequin fetus  an infant with a severe and usually lethal form of congenital ichthyosis, manifested by hyperkeratosis with rigid skin.

mummified fetus  a dried-up and shriveled fetus.

fetus papyra´ceus  a dead fetus pressed flat by the growth of a living twin.

parasitic fetus  in asymmetrical conjoined twins, an incomplete minor fetus attached to a larger, more completely developed twin.

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parasitic fetus

[-sit′ik]

Etymology: Gk, parasitos + L, icus, like, fetus, pregnant

the smaller, usually malformed member of conjoined, unequal, or asymmetric twins that is attached to and dependent on the more normal fetus for growth and development. Compare autosite.

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fetus

[L.] the developing young in the uterus, specifically the unborn offspring in the postembryonic (see also embryo) period, after major anatomical structures have been outlined.

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anomalous fetus

a fetus with one or more congenital defects.

calcified fetus

lithopedion; a fetus that has become calcified.

emphysematous/putrescent fetus

due usually to death of the fetus at parturition; the fetus has been dead for several days, decomposition has occurred and gas has been produced and can be palpated as subcutaneous crepitus; presents a major obstetrical difficulty because of the increased size of the fetus and its extreme dryness due to lack of fetal fluids. The conceptus has a putrid and persistent odor.

fetus in fetu

a small, imperfect fetus, incapable of independent life, contained within the body of another fetus.

mummified fetus

see mummification.

oversized fetus

commonly the result of very good feeding in the last trimester of pregnancy and often the cause of dystocia in beef heifers. See also fetal giantism.

fetus papyraceus

a fetus flattened by being pressed against the uterine wall by a living twin.

parasitic fetus

an incomplete minor fetus attached to a larger, more completely developed fetus, or autosite.