Cephalothoracopagus is characterized by what?

Cephalothoracopagus refers specifically to a type of conjoined twin where the individuals are joined at the head and thorax region. This medical term breaks down into parts, where "cephalo-" refers to the head, "thoraco-" refers to the thorax (chest area), and "-pagus" indicates that the twins are joined.

Thus, the defining characteristic of cephalothoracopagus is that it involves two bodies that share a single head and are physically connected at both the head and the thorax. This condition reflects a specific arrangement of conjoined twins that is distinct from other types or forms where the connection may differ in location or structural arrangement. Understanding this term helps in recognizing the complexities of congenital conditions and anatomical variations that can occur during twin pregnancies.