Glossary
Down syndrome: A disorder caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21 and characterized by mental retardation and distinguishing physical features.Abortions: Expulsion or extraction of the fetus from the womb before it is viable, usually before the 20th week of gestation.
Neural tube: structure in early fetal life that develops into the brain, spinal cord, spinal nerves and spine.
Spina-bifida: In the spinal column through which the spinal cord may protrude.
Amniotic fluid: The fluid which, contained in the sac of membranes known as the amnion, surrounds the fetus and provides a shock absorber and a secondary vehicle for the exchange of body chemicals with the mother.
Fetus: Term for an unborn baby from the end of the 8th week after conception until birth
Alfa Feto Protein: A protein produced by fetal tissues and some types of cancers in adults. Usually undetectable in the blood of healthy nonpregnant adults.
Placenta: An organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall via the umbilical cord. Exchange of oxygen, nutrients and waste takes place between the fetus and the mother.
Umbilical cord: The flexible cord-like structure containing blood vessels that carries the essential supplies to the fetus and brings back waste materials to the placenta.
Chromosome: A structure in a cell nucleus that consists of genes. In humans, 23 pairs of chromosomes, each pair containing one chromosome from each parent, carry the entire genetic code.
Miscarriage: A miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) is the spontaneous loss of a fetus before the 20th week of pregnancy.
