What is a teratology?

Teratology is the study of abnormalities and defects in physiological development, which includes congenital defects, abnormalities in other developmental stages such as puberty and defects in the development of other organisms, including plants and animals. This term is currently most often used to refer to teratogenesis, a medical study of congenital disorders in humans. Such disorders may be of genetic nature or may be caused by the intrauterine environment of the fetus. Congenital disorders differ from obtained disorders caused by behavior or environment after birth.

congenital defects affect three to five percent of all newborns, but are 20% of infants' deaths. In the 1950s, the teratological field found that environmental agents, called teratogens, could affect the developing fetus. It is estimated that ten percent of congenital defects are caused by teratogens rather than genetic disorders. However, 65% of congenital disorders have no known cause.

in 1959 embryologist James WilsonHe identified six principles of teratology in its environment and congenital defects . The first principle claims that teratogenesis, abnormal development due to environmental factors, is the result of interaction of fetal genetic identity with the environment. The second principle claims that the developmental phases are also a factor, so the fetus is more or less prone to certain teratogens at different stages of development. According to the third principle, teratogens affect the development of structures and tissues in specific ways.

The fourth principle of teratology claims that several factors can affect teratogenesis, such as the duration or amount of teratogen exposure and the mother's genetic identity. The fifth principle distinguishes four types of teratogenesis: death, malformation, growth retardation and functional defect. Finally, the sixth principle of teratology claims that manifestations that increased in the fifth principle in frequency and severity, as the amount of teratogen in the environment increases from ŽStatus observable levels of adverse effects (NOAEL) on 100% fatal dose (LD100).

teratogens include drugs and chemicals, radiation, bacterial or viral infection, metabolic abnormalities and substances such as alcohol, nicotine and caffeine. Many teratogens have a small or no effect on adults. Congenital defects due to teratogenesis may include a cleft palate, missing or malformed limbs and deformities of the brain and heart. Many teratogenic congenital defects can be prevented, so teratological education is important for families. Teratology also helps to determine which drugs are safe for pregnant women.