Structural Abnormalities and Birth Defects (Q2,P4,Ch.4) Flashcards
Chromosomes (and Genetics)
- Chromosomes
- Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes (46 total)
- zygote (46)= 23 from ovum gamete, 23 from sperm gamete
- Pairs 1-22 are autosomes (identical/match)
- Pair 23 are the sex chromosomes (XX=Girl, XY=Boy)
Chromosomes
- Made from DNA
Genes
- The basic unit of heredity
- those traits/characteristics we inherit from our parents
- Consist of specific nucleotide sequence: adenosine, guanine, cytosine, thymine (uracil)
- 20,000 TO 30,000 in humans
Genotype
The sum of all genes in an individual
Phenotype
The expression of one’s genes
Heterozygous
Genes of unequal influence for a particular trait
Homozygous
Genes of equal influence
Alleles
Matching genes: one from mother, one from the father
Dominance
One genes dominates the other
(example: brown eye color)
Recessive
The gene that is being dominated
(example:blue eye color)
Mutation
Spontaneous changes in genetic information (DNA)
- Usually negative (may result in cancers)
- May be an adaptation to some environmental circumstance
Congenital anomaly
Other than normal problem/disorder present at or before birth
Malformation
Term used to describe any anomaly
Hypoplasia
A part of the body is smaller than normal at birth
Aplasia
Failure of a part to develop
Polydactalism
More than normal number of digits (fingers or toes)
Phocomelia
Proximal portion of limbs fail to develop
Amelia
Absence of one or more limbs
Spina Bifida
- Structural abnormality in which the spinal column fails to close around the spinal cord
- Usually results in death (stillbirth)
- Causes severe, crippling nerve damage
- Children with proper care/surgery/medicine/rehab can live into adulthood but will always be impaired
List of Limb Deformities
Amelia
Hypoplasia
Aplasia
Phocomelia
Polydactalism
Cleft Palate
The palate/roof of the mouth fails to join or close
Cleft/Hare Lip
Failure of lips to join at the midline
Cleft Palate and Cleft/Hare Lip
- May occur together or separately
- surgery, dental, orthodontics, and speech therapy may be needed
Color Blindnes
- Inability to distinguish or identify various colors and shades
- Defect stems from specialized cells in the retina of the eye call cones
- Usually inherited but may be acquired