Category: M

A pattern of genetic inheritance that involves several factors some genetic, some environmental for the disorder to be expressed.  

A group of genetic disorders that involve defects in certain enzymes, resulting in abnormal and damaging accumulations of substances called mucopolysaccharides in the tissues, medically classed as metabolic disorders or storage disorders. Each of the various MPS disorders has an MPS number and a name, the best-known being Hurler’s syndrome (MPS 1), Hunter’s syndrome (MPS…

A type of storage disorder in which the body tissues accumulate abnormal and damaging amounts of certain compounds, called mucolipids, due to lack of enzymes needed to break them down. A collection of uncommon metabolic conditions where a specific enzyme deficiency leads to an unusual buildup of lipids and substances known as mucopolysaccharides within cells.…

Skills relating to motion, involving both the muscles that carry out the motion and the brain and nervous system that direct the activity. The coordinated motion of groups of muscles is what enables controlled movement. Delicate motor abilities encompass activities that demand precise manipulation of small muscles, like fastening a shirt button. On the other…

The number of people who die, on the average, in a specified group of a certain number, such as one per 1,000 newborns.  

A genetic disorder resulting from a defect in a specific enzyme; one of a group of disorders called mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS). Characteristics of Morquio’s syndrome are retarded growth often resulting in dwarfism and abnormal muscular and skeletal development (chondrodysplasia) leading to kyphosis (excessive curvature of the spine), enlarged breastbone (sternum), fused or missing vertebrae, and knock-knees.…

An approach to the education of pre-school-age children developed by Italian physician-educator Maria Montessori, featuring special materials for teaching numbers, letters, and abstract ideas. Materials are designed to foster independent thinking and creativity and to enhance a child’s use of the various sensory modes or modalities for learning, in what is called sensory education. From…

A medical term referring to identical twins who grew from one fertilized egg, or zygote; literally, “one egg.” Twins or multiple births originating from a single zygote that separates early in development; resulting individuals have identical genetic makeup. Originating from a single fertilized ovum, said of identical twins.  

A large area of skin colored pale blue, found in some relatively dark-skinned infants, generally on the buttocks or lower spine; a benign kind of skin disorder that usually disappears or becomes less obvious as the child grows older. Parents must be sure that others do not mistake the area for a large bruise and…

A slower promotion track to which some women are shunted on their return to work after maternity leave.