Agenesis is a term used in medical science to describe the absence or underdevelopment of a body part or organ. It can occur due to genetic or environmental factors and can affect various parts of the body, including the brain, limbs, and reproductive organs. In this article, we will explore the definition, meaning, and associations of agenesis.
Definitions
Agenesis is defined as the failure of an organ or body part to develop during embryonic development. It can also refer to the partial or complete absence of a body part or organ that was present at birth. Agenesis can affect various parts of the body, including the brain, limbs, teeth, and reproductive organs.
Origin
The term agenesis is derived from the Greek words “a-” meaning “without” and “genesis” meaning “origin” or “creation”. It was first used in medical literature in the early 20th century to describe the absence or underdevelopment of various body parts.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, agenesis is defined as “the failure of an organ or part to develop during embryonic growth and development”. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “the absence or underdevelopment of a part or organ of the body”.
Associations
Agenesis can occur due to genetic or environmental factors. It is often associated with congenital anomalies or birth defects. It can also be a symptom of certain genetic disorders, such as Turner syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome. Agenesis of the brain or spinal cord can result in neurological disorders, such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida.
Synonyms
Synonyms of agenesis include aplasia, hypoplasia, and dysgenesis. Aplasia refers to the complete absence of a body part or organ, whereas hypoplasia refers to underdevelopment. Dysgenesis is a general term used to describe abnormal development or formation of a body part or organ.
Antonyms
Antonyms of agenesis include hyperplasia and hypertrophy. Hyperplasia refers to the excessive growth or development of a body part or organ, whereas hypertrophy refers to an increase in the size of cells in a tissue or organ.
The same root words
The root words “a-” and “genesis” are also used in other medical terms, such as agenetic, which refers to a condition or trait that is inherited or present from birth, and genesis, which refers to the origin or creation of something.
Example Sentences
- Agenesis of the limbs can result in a condition known as phocomelia.
- Agenesis of the brain can lead to intellectual disability and developmental delays.
- A child with agenesis of the teeth may require dental implants or dentures.
- Turner syndrome is a genetic disorder that can cause agenesis of the ovaries.
- Aplasia of the bone marrow can result in a decrease in the production of blood cells.