Dysmorphic features
Dysmorphic features (pronunciation: dis-mor-fik fea-tures) are physical characteristics that are unusual or different from the typical appearance. These features can be present in a variety of medical conditions and syndromes, often genetic or congenital in nature.
Etymology
The term "dysmorphic" is derived from the Greek words "dys" meaning "bad" or "difficult," and "morph" meaning "shape" or "form." Thus, dysmorphic features refer to those that are abnormally shaped or formed.
Definition
Dysmorphic features can include a wide range of physical characteristics. These may include unusual facial features, such as a cleft lip or cleft palate, microcephaly (small head size), or macrocephaly (large head size). Other dysmorphic features can involve the limbs, such as polydactyly (extra fingers or toes), or syndactyly (fused fingers or toes).
Related Terms
- Genetic disorder: A disease caused by abnormalities in an individual's genetic material. Many genetic disorders are associated with dysmorphic features.
- Congenital disorder: A condition that is present at birth. Dysmorphic features are often part of congenital disorders.
- Syndrome: A collection of signs and symptoms that occur together and characterize a particular abnormality or condition. Many syndromes include dysmorphic features as part of their diagnostic criteria.
See Also
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