A Practical Approach, Second Edition=Ronald D. Ho.pdf

TERMINOLOGY OF ANATOMICAL DEFECTS 921practice of reporting number of ossified elements in specific regions (e.g., sacral and/or caudalvertebrae), for this approach does offer certain advantages.5. In general, observations are represented by simple descriptive terms or phrases, except in caseswhere a common, generally accepted medical term is available.6. Terminology in the glossary typically reflects the basic observation. For example, open eye includesobservations of partially open eyelid and completely open eyelid, and cervical rib includes unilateraland bilateral. Modifiers, such as those relating to symmetry (e.g., right, left, medial, unilateral,bilateral) and degree (e.g., slight, moderate, marked), are not included in the glossary, except wheresidedness is an integral part of the specific observation (e.g., right-sided aortic arch). Some usersmay wish to further define abnormalities using these modifiers (e.g., “slightly dilated ureter” and“markedly dilated ureter”).7. Analysis of data on treatment-related effects may be more useful when glossary terms are combined.For example, many of the individual observations could be combined into general categories(e.g., tail abnormalities or thoracic vertebral abnormalities). Alternatively, some terms may besubdivided into relevant categories based on modifying terms (e.g., median versus unilateral cleftlip). Thus, tables used to present the individual or summary results of the examinations of fetusesor offspring may use the individual terms, names for groups of terms, or subsets of the terms.Finally, this glossary represents the start of a process that is working toward harmonization ofterminology among scientists from many countries. The intent is for it to be a basic support fordescribing developmental abnormalities. However, scientific judgment is required to use the observationsappropriately to allow an accurate interpretation of the data.The following dictionary was used as the primary reference for the glossary when inconsistencieswere found in other reference sources: International Dictionary of Medicine and Biology (3volumes), 1986, Wiley Medical Publications, John Wiley & Sons, NY (ISBN 0-471-01849-X).Terms covering the field of teratology within this dictionary were authored by the late Dr. JamesG. Wilson, an internationally recognized expert in the field of teratology. Modifications to definitionsmay have been made in some cases in order to reach an agreed upon, workable definition.© 2006 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC