Aplasia

Aplasia

Aplasia ( ) originates from the Greek words a (indicating absence) and plasis (referring to molding or formation). This birth defect is characterized by the absence or defective development of an organ or tissue.

Aplastic anemia, a prominent example, signifies the body's inability to produce blood cells. The condition can manifest at any age, resulting from a variety of causes.

Etymology

The term "aplasia" is derived from Greek:

• a – Meaning "not" or "no"
• plasis – Denoting "molding" or "formation"

Examples of Aplasia

Aplasia can manifest in multiple ways, impacting different tissues and organs. Some notable instances include:

• Acquired pure red cell aplasia – A specific type of anemia affecting the red blood cells.
• Aplasia cutis congenita – Denotes the congenital absence of skin.
• Aplastic anemia – Represents a failure in blood cell production.
• Germ cell aplasia – Also recognized as the Sertoli cell-only syndrome.
• Radial aplasia – Absence or underdevelopment of the radial bone in the forearm.
• Thymic aplasia – Observed in DiGeorge syndrome and also naturally appears with the progressive loss of the immune system's functionality during advanced age.

Comparative Terminology

While "aplasia" indicates the absence of tissue or organ development, there are related terms that describe variations in development:

• Atrophy – Decrease in size of an already developed organ or tissue.
• Hyperplasia – Excessive proliferation of normal cells in normal tissue arrangement.
• Hypoplasia – Incomplete or underdevelopment of a tissue or organ.
• Neoplasia – Abnormal or uncontrolled growth, which can be benign or malignant.

List of biological development disorders

List of Biological Development Disorders

Disorder Name	Description	Affected Organ/System
Aplasia	Absence or defective development of an organ or tissue.	Various organs or tissues
Hypoplasia	Incomplete or underdevelopment of a tissue or organ.	Various organs or tissues
Polydactyly	Presence of extra fingers or toes.	Hands and Feet
Cleft Palate	Opening or split in the roof of the mouth.	Oral cavity
Spina Bifida	Birth defect where there is incomplete closing of the spine.	Spine
Hydrocephalus	Buildup of fluid in the brain.	Brain

References

Aplasia Resources
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