|
|
As some of my close friends know, I always strive to be news-savvy. And
one day I came across an article on a pair of twin Egyptian boys conjoined at
the head.... Of course I've heard of them, but I thought of what it would
be like to have to share, well, a head with someone.
How could you walk? And did you ever get to really look your twin in
the eye? The twins were flown to Texas for a surgery to separate them
both. More then 50 medical personal participated in this surgery!
Was it worth it? Of course! Can you imagine living your life like
they had to for 11 months?
Anyways, this article really sparked my interest. I researched a bit and
think I'll share a few of my new-found facts with you:
* WHAT I KNEW BEFORE I STARTED RESEARCHING *
The first documented conjoined twins were from Siam. They were connected
with a single band of flesh and shared a liver, I believe. Some twins like
this are conjoined at the head and it's hard to get them apart. Sometimes
they share body parts.
What I know now...
* WHAT IS THIS CALLED? *
If you're very scientific, the coinjoinment of the head is called Craniopagus.
It occurs in only 2% of all conjoined twin cases, and is difficult to split them
apart. According to my source, fewer than 40 successful operations have
been performed.
* HOW DOES IT HAPPEN? *
Well, the twins form when a single (fertilized) egg is split into two embryos.
If the split occurs more then twelve days past fertilization, they will not
fully divide and may share some body parts.
* FACT I DIDN'T KNOW *
Did you know that conjoined twins are ALWAYS the same gender???
* QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF *
What would it be like to never see your twin?
Would I ridicule someone who was a conjoined twin?
Do I know any twins?
Wow! Who knew that science could be so INTERESTING! =oD
Have a great life,
And remember,
SCIENCE ROCKS!
*lavender7*
|
