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conjoined twins
(kәn-joindŽ)
monozygotic twins whose bodies are joined. The connection may be slight or extensive; it may involve skin and muscles or cartilage of a limited
region, such as the head, chest, hip, or buttock, or the twins may share an organ, such as an intestine or parts of the spine.
If joined superficially, the twins may be easily separated by surgery soon after birth. If more deeply united, they may have
to go through life with their handicap, if they survive. New techniques in surgery are making it possible to separate some
Siamese twins whose physical links are highly complex. Popularly known as Siamese twins.

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