Health Sciences 2700A/B Chapter Notes -Acne Vulgaris, Methadone, Zygote
19 Oct 2013
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Document Summary
Teratogens: refers to any environmental agent that causes damage during the prenatal period, harm done by these agents not always straightforward. Dose: larger doses over time periods usually have more negative effects. Heredity: genetic makeups of the mother and the developing organism play an important role. Some individuals are better able to withstand harmful environments. Other negative influences: the presence of several negative factors at once, such as poor nutrition, lack of medical care, and additional teratogens, can worsen the impact of a single harmful agent. Age: effects of teratogens vary with the age of the organism at time of exposure. Sensitive period concept limited time span in which a part of the body or behavior is biologically prepared to develop rapidly and therefore is especially sensitive to its surroundings. If environment is harmful, then damage occurs, and recovery is difficult and sometimes impossible.
