Cytology · MU Sofia

Environmental factors influencing development.

Covers the main external and maternal factors that can disturb embryonic and fetal development, taking teratogens first, then nutritional factors, maternal health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and infections, physical agents, pollutants, hormonal influences, and psychosocial and socioeconomic contexts. Drugs, chemicals and micronutrient deficiencies are illustrated with specific examples and their effects.

Inside: 10 sections · 5 labelled pictures · 14 flashcards · 4 min

Topic 94 of 97 in the MU Sofia syllabus for Cytology (Medicine, Year 1). The free AceMed note covers it in 10 sections, about 607 words (4 min of reading), with 14 flashcards.

In this note

  1. Introduction
  2. Teratogens:
  3. Nutritional Factors:
  4. Maternal Health Conditions:
  5. Physical Agents:
  6. Chemical and Environmental Pollutants:
  7. Hormonal and Endocrine Factors:
  8. Infectious Agents:
  9. Psychosocial and Behavioural Factors:
  10. Socioeconomic and Environmental Contexts:

Introduction

Environmental factors play a crucial role in embryonic and fetal development, significantly influencing cellular processes, gene expression, and overall development. These factors include both external and maternal influences.

Teratogens:

  • Teratogens are substances or agents that cause developmental abnormalities (teratogenesis) during critical periods of embryonic development.
  • Drugs:
  • Thalidomide (medication that was used to treat nausea in pregnant women in the 1950's before it got banned) causes limb deformities.
  • Alcohol is associated with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).
  • Retinoic acid (Vitamin A derivatives) can lead to craniofacial and heart defects.
  • Certain antibiotics (e.g., tetracyclines) affect bone and teeth development.
  • Recreational substances:
  • Cocaine increases the risk of miscarriage, growth restriction, and preterm birth.
  • Tobacco is associated with low birth weight, prematurity, and placental problems.
  • Environmental chemicals:
  • Pesticides and herbicides are linked to neural and growth abnormalities.
  • Heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury) cause neurodevelopmental impairments.
  • Endocrine disruptors (e.g., bisphenol A, phthalates) affect hormonal signalling and reproductive development.

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