microcephaly

Physiology

(noun)

A neurological disorder in which the person affected has an abnormally small head due to a failure of brain growth.

Related Terms

Chemistry

(noun)

A neurological disorder which causes the affected person to have an abnormally small head due to a failure of brain growth.

Related Terms

Examples of microcephaly in the following topics:

  • Genetic Defects from Radiation

    • In humans, microcephaly is the only proven malformation, or congenital abnormality, found in the developing human fetuses present during the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings.
    • MRIs of a normal individual (left) and a patient with microcephaly (right).

  • Teratogens

    • They may also exhibit microcephaly, mental retardation, and have learning disabilities.
    • Cocaine generally produces growth restriction, preterm delivery, microcephaly, spontaneous abortion, placental abruption, limb anomalies, and central nervous system abnormalities.

  • The TORCH Panel of Tests

    • TORCH infections cause a syndrome characterized by microcephaly, sensorineural deafness, chorioretinitis, hepatosplenomegaly, and thrombocytopenia.