16 Questions
What is the study of birth defects and congenital abnormalities called?
Teratology
Which period of development is most at risk from teratogens?
First trimester
What percentage of major congenital abnormalities are caused by an interaction of the environment with a person’s genetic susceptibility?
55%
What are the three categories into which the causes of birth defects fall?
Environmental, genetic, interaction of environment with genetic susceptibility
Which stage of pregnancy is most susceptible to the effects of teratogenic agents?
First trimester
What type of malformations did Thalidomide cause?
Limb abnormalities and malformations of other organs
Which virus causes congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) with severe microcephaly and neurological issues?
Zika virus
What is the effect of tetracycline on fetal development?
Yellow staining of deciduous teeth and diminished growth of long bones
What syndrome is caused by Phenytoin, characterized by growth retardation and specific facial features?
Fetal hydantoin syndrome
Which infection is an example of a teratogen causing congenital malformations?
Cytomegalovirus
What is the effect of ionizing radiation on the developing embryo?
Injures the developing embryo, with severity depending on dose and stage of development
What percentage of newborns have single minor malformations?
Approximately 14%
What are the effects of anti-neoplastic or chemotherapeutic agents on fetal development?
Highly teratogenic and should be avoided during pregnancy
What deficiency and malformations are demonstrated by infants born to alcoholic mothers?
Prenatal and postnatal growth deficiency and congenital malformations
What is the effect of Rubella infection on fetal development?
Congenital malformations
What is the impact of teratogens on the placenta during pregnancy?
They can easily be transferred across the placenta during pregnancy
Study Notes
Teratogenic Effects and Examples of Congenital Malformations
- Approximately 14% of newborns have single minor malformations, often of no clinical consequence.
- Specific minor malformations may suggest the possibility of an associated major malformation.
- Teratogenic agents have the greatest effects during the embryonic stage (3-8 weeks) of pregnancy.
- Teratogens can easily be transferred across the placenta during pregnancy.
- Examples of teratogens causing congenital malformations include Rubella and Cytomegalovirus infection.
- Zika virus causes congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) with severe microcephaly and neurological issues.
- Ionizing radiation can injure the developing embryo, with severity depending on dose and stage of development.
- Thalidomide, marketed as a sedative, caused limb abnormalities and malformations of other organs.
- Tetracycline causes yellow staining of deciduous teeth and diminished growth of long bones.
- Phenytoin causes fetal hydantoin syndrome, including growth retardation and specific facial features.
- Anti-neoplastic or chemotherapeutic agents are highly teratogenic and should be avoided during pregnancy.
- Infants born to alcoholic mothers demonstrate prenatal and postnatal growth deficiency and congenital malformations.
Test your knowledge of teratogenic effects and congenital malformations with this quiz. Learn about the impact of teratogens on embryonic development and examples of congenital malformations caused by factors such as infections, medications, and environmental exposures.
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