16. Pathogenetic mechanisms of birth defects

The mechanism of birth defects can be broadly grouped as deformation, disruption, dysplasia and malformation. Major congenital anomalies are those that are life threatening but minor abnormalities are those that do not pose a threat to extra uterine survival. Examples of structural anomalies are cleft lip and palate, diaphragmatic hernia, hydrops, congenital heart diseases, choroid plexus cysts and short femur.
