Teratogens

The above picture was taken from the following website: 
http://www.learn.ppdictionary.com/prenatal%20development.htm

This week in class, we were discussing developmental anatomy. Along with the normal developmental anatomical structures, we discussed developmental abnormalities. A new word I learned while learning about these abnormalities was "teratogens." The word is derived from the Greek and literally translates to "monster-formers." Teratogens are the "exogenous agents that cause disruptions in development, resulting in teratogenesis, or the formation of congenital defects. Teratology is the study of birth defects and of how environmental agents disrupt normal development." Teratogens are substances, such as alcohol, drugs, hormones, cigarettes, lead mercury and radiation, that cause developmental, anatomical abnormalities. Above is a picture showing the different types of teratogens and their possible harmful effects on the fetus during development.


The information referenced above was taken from the following reference: Gilbert, Scott F. Developmental Anatomy - Medical Embryology and Teratology." Developmental Biology. Vol. 9. Sunderland, MA: Sinauer Associates, 2010. 28. Print