Teratogens Overview

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to teratogens and their effects, including definitions of various terms and concepts related to developmental disorders.

Teratogens

Environmental mechanisms that cause developmental disorders.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

A condition resulting from alcohol exposure in the womb, leading to physical and cognitive impairments.

Thalidomide

A drug that caused significant birth defects when taken during pregnancy, originally designed as a tranquilizer.

Phocomelia

A major birth defect characterized by shortened or absent limbs.

Endocrine disruptors

Chemicals that interfere with hormonal functions, affecting reproduction, development, and other bodily systems.

Organophosphate insecticides

A class of chemicals, such as chlorpyrifos, that disrupt endocrine function and can lead to neurodevelopmental issues.

Oxidative stress

An imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, contributing to cellular damage.

Biomarkers of FAS

Alcohol metabolism markers, such as fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs), that help identify prenatal alcohol exposure.

Adenocarcinoma

A type of cancer that can occur in offspring from mothers who ingested diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy.

Chelating therapy

A treatment for methylmercury exposure that helps eliminate heavy metals from the body.

Endocrine disruptors

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) as an agonist:

Bisphenol A (BPA) as an agonist: