Ch.3 (Teratogens)

Question 1

define teratology

Answer 1

the study of factors that contribute to birth defects

Question 2

teratogens are …

Answer 2

environmental factors that can contribute to birth defects, and include some maternal diseases, pollutants, drugs and alcohol

Question 3

the effects of teratogens depend on … (4)

Answer 3

dose, heredity, presence of other negative factors and age and prenatal sensitive periods

Question 4

factors influencing prenatal risks … (5)

Answer 4

the timing of the exposure, the amount of exposure, the number of teratogens, genetics and being male or female

Question 5

list five teratogens under the “pollutants” category

Answer 5

lead, pesticides, bisphenol A, radiation and mercury

Question 6

what is and what causes toxoplasmosis?

Answer 6

an infection that is created by the tiny parasite toxoplasma gondii

Question 7

maternal factors that can lead to birth defects

Answer 7

nutrition, emotional stress, Rh factor incompatibility, maternal age and previous births

Question 8

describe an ultrasound

Answer 8

a test in which sound waves are used to examine the fetus

Question 9

amniocentesis is a procedure in which …

Answer 9

a needle is used to withdraw a small amount of amniotic fluid and cells from the sac surrounding the fetus

Question 10

chorionic villus sampling is a procedure in which …

Answer 10

a small sample of cells is taken from the placenta and tested