Deformity
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| - | A '''deformity''', '''dysmorphism''', or '''dysmorphic feature''' is a major [[Unusual|difference]] in the shape of the body a body part, or a body organ (internal or external) compared to the average shape for the part in question. | + | A '''deformity''', '''dysmorphism''', or '''dysmorphic feature''' is a major difference in the shape of a body part or organ compared to the average shape of that part. |
| - | + | ==Causes== | |
| Deformity may arise from numerous causes: | Deformity may arise from numerous causes: | ||
| - | *A genetic mutation | + | *Genetic [[mutation]] |
| *Damage to the [[fetus]] or [[uterus]] | *Damage to the [[fetus]] or [[uterus]] | ||
| *Complications at [[childbirth|birth]] | *Complications at [[childbirth|birth]] | ||
| *A growth or hormone disorder | *A growth or hormone disorder | ||
| *Reconstructive surgery following a severe injury e.g. [[Third degree burn|burn injury]]. | *Reconstructive surgery following a severe injury e.g. [[Third degree burn|burn injury]]. | ||
| - | *[[Arthritis]] and other [[Rheumatoid disorders]] | + | *[[Arthritis]] and other rheumatoid disorders |
| - | + | ||
| - | [[Body Dysmorphic Disorder]] (BDD) is a psychological condition in which the sufferer ''believes'' that they are deformed, disfigured or otherwise so ugly that they cannot go out in public without fear of ridicule, when in actuality there is usually no major deformity or defect present. This can lead to [[agoraphobia]], because of the fear of ridicule or being [[shunning|shunned]]. This could be said to be a fear of deformity. | + | |
| - | + | ||
| - | Another more specific but much rarer example of a condition of this nature is [[cycloponomia]]. | + | |
| - | + | ||
| - | [[Irish Mythology]] includes the [[Fomorians]], who are almost without exception described as being deformed, possessing only one of what most have two of ([[eye]]s, [[arm]]s, [[Human leg|leg]]s, etc.) or having larger than normal limbs. Other mythological creatures may have been created due to a deformative syndrome also, for instance, descriptions of [[mermaid]]s may be related to the symptoms of [[sirenomelia]]. | + | |
| Deformity can occur in non-humans, as well. [[Frogs]] can be mutated due to [[Ribeiroia]] ([[Trematoda]]) infection. | Deformity can occur in non-humans, as well. [[Frogs]] can be mutated due to [[Ribeiroia]] ([[Trematoda]]) infection. | ||
| - | It is important to note that in many cases, deformed individuals do not survive. For example, in many cases in which a major deformity is present at birth, it is the result of an underlying condition severe enough that the baby does not survive very long. Or, in cases in which an individual becomes deformed due to an event, the event may kill the individual. | + | ==Mortality== |
| + | In many cases in which a major deformity is present at birth, it is the result of an underlying condition severe enough that the baby does not survive very long. The mortality of severely deformed births may be due to a range of complications including missing or non-functioning vital organs, structural defects that prevent breathing or eating, and high susceptibility to injuries or infections that lead to death. | ||
| - | == See also == | + | ==In mythology== |
| + | Mythological creatures may have been created due to a deformative syndrome also, for instance, descriptions of [[mermaid]]s may be related to the symptoms of [[sirenomelia]]. The [[Irish Mythology]] includes the [[Fomorians]], who are almost without exception described as being deformed, possessing only one of what most have two of ([[human eye|eye]]s, [[arm]]s, [[Human leg|leg]]s, etc.) or having larger than normal limbs. | ||
| + | ==See also== | ||
| + | *[[Congenital abnormality]] | ||
| + | *[[Body dysmorphic disorder]] | ||
| + | *[[Disfigurement]] | ||
| + | *[[Polymelia]] | ||
| *[[Teratology]] | *[[Teratology]] | ||
| + | *[[Thousand Smiles Foundation]] | ||
| {{GFDL}} | {{GFDL}} | ||
Revision as of 18:57, 10 September 2012
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A deformity, dysmorphism, or dysmorphic feature is a major difference in the shape of a body part or organ compared to the average shape of that part.
Contents |
Causes
Deformity may arise from numerous causes:
- Genetic mutation
- Damage to the fetus or uterus
- Complications at birth
- A growth or hormone disorder
- Reconstructive surgery following a severe injury e.g. burn injury.
- Arthritis and other rheumatoid disorders
Deformity can occur in non-humans, as well. Frogs can be mutated due to Ribeiroia (Trematoda) infection.
Mortality
In many cases in which a major deformity is present at birth, it is the result of an underlying condition severe enough that the baby does not survive very long. The mortality of severely deformed births may be due to a range of complications including missing or non-functioning vital organs, structural defects that prevent breathing or eating, and high susceptibility to injuries or infections that lead to death.
In mythology
Mythological creatures may have been created due to a deformative syndrome also, for instance, descriptions of mermaids may be related to the symptoms of sirenomelia. The Irish Mythology includes the Fomorians, who are almost without exception described as being deformed, possessing only one of what most have two of (eyes, arms, legs, etc.) or having larger than normal limbs.
See also
- Congenital abnormality
- Body dysmorphic disorder
- Disfigurement
- Polymelia
- Teratology
- Thousand Smiles Foundation
Unless indicated otherwise, the text in this article is either based on Wikipedia article "Deformity" or another language Wikipedia page thereof used under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License; or on research by Jahsonic and friends. See Art and Popular Culture's copyright notice.
