Editing Birth defect (section)

==== {{anchor|malformation|congenital malformation|malformation syndrome|congenital physical anomaly}}Terminology ====
* A '''congenital physical anomaly''' is an abnormality of the structure of a body part. It may or may not be perceived as a problem condition. Many, if not most, people have one or more [[minor physical anomalies]] if examined carefully. Examples of minor anomalies can include curvature of the fifth finger ([[clinodactyly]]), a third nipple, tiny indentations of the skin near the ears ([[Preauricular sinus and cyst|preauricular]] pits), shortness of the fourth [[metacarpal]] or [[metatarsal]] bones, or dimples over the lower spine ([[sacral dimple]]s). Some minor anomalies may be clues to more significant internal abnormalities.{{citation needed|date=December 2024}}
* '''Birth defect''' is a widely used term for a congenital malformation, ''i.e.'' a congenital, physical anomaly that is recognizable at [[Childbirth|birth]], and which is significant enough to be considered a problem. According to the [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]] (CDC), most birth defects are believed to be caused by a complex mix of factors including genetics, environment, and behaviors,<ref name="cdc">[https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/bd/research.htm Birth Defects Research] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924064625/http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/bd/research.htm |date=2015-09-24 }}. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.</ref> though many birth defects have no known cause. An example of a birth defect is [[cleft palate]], which occurs during the fourth through seventh weeks of gestation.<ref name="cdc.gov">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/cleftlip.html|title=Facts about Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate {{!}} Birth Defects {{!}} NCBDDD {{!}} CDC|website=www.cdc.gov|access-date=2016-03-16|archive-date=2015-05-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508162121/http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/CleftLip.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Body tissue and special cells from each side of the head grow toward the center of the face. They join to make the face.<ref name="cdc.gov" /> A cleft means a split or separation; the "roof" of the mouth is called the palate.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.entnet.org/content/cleft-lip-and-cleft-palate|title=Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate|last=communications|website=American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery|access-date=2016-03-16|archive-date=2016-03-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321210939/http://www.entnet.org/content/cleft-lip-and-cleft-palate|url-status=live}}</ref>
* A '''congenital malformation''' is a physical anomaly that is deleterious, ''i.e.'' a structural defect perceived as a problem. A typical combination of malformations affecting more than one body part is referred to as a '''malformation syndrome'''.{{citation needed|date=December 2024}}
* Some conditions are due to abnormal tissue development:
** A malformation is associated with a disorder of tissue development.<ref name="isbn0-7216-1489-2">{{cite book |author=Graham, John Whichello |title=Smith's Recognizable Patterns of Human Deformation, 3rd Edition |publisher=Saunders |location=Philadelphia |year=2007 |pages=3 |isbn=978-0-7216-1489-2 }}</ref> Malformations often occur in the first trimester.
** A [[dysplasia]] is a disorder at the organ level that is due to problems with tissue development.<ref name="isbn0-7216-1489-2" />
* Conditions also can arise after tissue is formed:
** A [[deformity|deformation]] is a condition arising from mechanical stress to normal tissue.<ref name="isbn0-7216-1489-2" /> Deformations often occur in the second or third trimester, and can be due to [[oligohydramnios]].{{citation needed|date=December 2024}}
** A disruption involves breakdown of normal tissues.<ref name="isbn0-7216-1489-2" />
* When multiple effects occur in a specified order, they are known as a [[sequence (medicine)|sequence]]. When the order is not known, it is a [[syndrome]].