Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
agyria
Pronunciation: uh-JY-ree-uh
A rare brain malformation characterized by the complete absence of gyri (brain folds), resulting in a smooth cerebral surface.
Full Definition
Agyria is a severe form of lissencephaly where the cerebral cortex lacks normal gyri and sulci, appearing completely smooth. This malformation occurs during early fetal brain development and is associated with profound developmental delays, seizures, and intellectual disability. The condition is often diagnosed through neuroimaging and represents the most severe end of the lissencephaly spectrum.
Usage
Usage note: Always use lowercase except when beginning a sentence. Distinguish from related terms like pachygyria.
In Context
- "The MRI revealed complete agyria with no visible gyral pattern in the frontal and parietal regions." — Neuroimaging report
- "Patients with agyria typically present with severe developmental delays and intractable epilepsy." — Clinical assessment
Also known as
smooth brain
complete lissencephaly
Contrasted with
pachygyria
polymicrogyria
Don't confuse with
pachygyria
lissencephaly