www.whyville.net Oct 31, 2003 Weekly Issue



Lavender7
Guest Writer

Conjoined Twins: The Report

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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*

 

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