Craniopagus Parasiticus - Terminology

Terminology

In the past, the use of terminology when describing parasitic twins has been somewhat inconsistent. By definition a parasitic twin is joined to another twin in a certain anatomical location or position on the developed twin's body. The underdeveloped twin is termed the parasite, and the developed twin is termed the autosite. The autosite may have some abnormalities as well, but for the most part it has developed enough to where it can live on its own.