Supernumerary
Supernumerary refers to the occurrence of an extra, additional or excess element in the body that is not normally present. This term is often used in the medical field to describe conditions such as supernumerary teeth or supernumerary nipples, which are additional teeth or nipples that develop beyond the usual number.
Overview[edit | edit source]
The term "supernumerary" is derived from the Latin words "super" (over) and "numerare" (to count). In medical terminology, it is used to describe an additional part of the body that is not typically present in the average human anatomy. Supernumerary conditions can occur in various parts of the body, including the teeth, nipples, fingers, and toes.
Supernumerary Conditions[edit | edit source]
Supernumerary Teeth[edit | edit source]
Supernumerary teeth are extra teeth that appear in addition to the regular number of teeth. They can occur in any part of the dental arch and can affect both primary (baby) and permanent (adult) teeth. The most common type of supernumerary tooth is the mesiodens, which develops in the upper jaw, between the two central incisors.
Supernumerary Nipples[edit | edit source]
Supernumerary nipples, also known as polythelia, are additional nipples that develop along the "milk line" - a line running from the armpit, through the typical nipple area, and down to the groin. These extra nipples can vary in appearance, from fully formed and functional nipples to small, pigmented patches of skin.
Causes and Risk Factors[edit | edit source]
The exact cause of supernumerary conditions is unknown, but they are believed to be the result of genetic factors. Some studies suggest that they may be associated with certain genetic syndromes, such as Gardner's syndrome or Cleidocranial dysplasia.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
The treatment for supernumerary conditions depends on the specific condition and its impact on the individual's health and well-being. In some cases, no treatment may be necessary. However, in cases where the supernumerary condition causes discomfort, functional issues, or cosmetic concerns, treatment options may include surgical removal or other medical interventions.
See Also[edit | edit source]
 | This medical article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
