teratogens
Birth defect causes
Teratogens are substances or agents that cause malformations in developing embryos or fetuses.
The category includes certain drugs (thalidomide, alcohol), infections (rubella), and environmental exposures (radiation, mercury).
A pregnant woman avoiding teratogens is protecting against birth defects.
The adjective is teratogenic: Researchers confirmed the drug's teratogenic effects.
Sedative causing fetal deformities
- alcoholIntoxicating hydroxyl compound
- mercuryLiquid metallic element
- leadDense metal, symbol Pb
- radiationEnergy propagation through space
rubella · cytomegalovirus · toxoplasma · cocaine · lithium · warfarin · tetracycline · retinoids
Congenital CNS malformation
- cleft palateCongenital oral roof opening
- spina bifidaVertebral column fails to close
- heart defectAbnormality in blood-pumping organ
- microcephalyUndersized cranium disorder
hydrocephalus · anencephaly · fetal alcohol syndrome · craniofacial · clubfoot · congenital · malformation · anomaly
Formation of early life
- organogenesisEmbryonic tissue becoming structures
- morphogenesisDevelopmental shape emergence
- differentiationRecognizing meaningful differences
- fetal developmentUnborn offspring's growth process
first trimester · critical period · dose-response · threshold · susceptibility · intrauterine · prenatal
B-vitamin preventing birth defects
- prenatal screeningMedical tests before birth
- amniocentesisPrenatal diagnostic fluid extraction
- ultrasoundInaudible high-frequency waves
- genetic counselingGuidance on inherited conditions
Inducing stable genetic changes
- apoptosisProgrammed cell death
- DNA damageInjury to genetic material
- epigeneticAffecting gene expression, not sequence
- hypoxiaInsufficient tissue oxygenation
thalidomide
Sedative causing fetal deformities
radiation · rubella · cytomegalovirus · toxoplasma · cocaine · lithium · warfarin · tetracycline · retinoids · phenytoin
neural tube defect
Congenital CNS malformation
- cleft palateCongenital oral roof opening
- spina bifidaVertebral column fails to close
- heart defectAbnormality in blood-pumping organ
microcephaly · hydrocephalus · anencephaly · fetal alcohol syndrome · craniofacial · clubfoot · congenital · malformation · anomaly · deformity
embryogenesis
Formation of early life
- organogenesisEmbryonic tissue becoming structures
- morphogenesisDevelopmental shape emergence
- differentiationRecognizing meaningful differences
fetal development · first trimester · critical period · dose-response · threshold · susceptibility · intrauterine · prenatal
folic acid
B-vitamin preventing birth defects
- prenatal screeningMedical tests before birth
- amniocentesisPrenatal diagnostic fluid extraction
- ultrasoundInaudible high-frequency waves
genetic counseling · contraindication · occupational safety · risk assessment
mutagenesis
Inducing stable genetic changes
- apoptosisProgrammed cell death
- DNA damageInjury to genetic material
- epigeneticAffecting gene expression, not sequence