University of South Carolina - Spring 2022
Physics 291, Chapter 8 Review
Professor Watson, Section 2
January 27, 2022
Phocomelia is a congenital condition that involves malformations of human arms and legs
which result in a flipper-like appendage. A prominent cause of phocomelia is the mother
being prescribed the use of the drug thalidomide during pregnancy; however, the causes of
most cases are to be determined.
Class Date: 7/6/2024
Professor’s Note: Avoid repetition of ideas in the main body.
GENERIC CONTENT:
## Discussion (List)
- Occurrence in an individual results in various abnormalities to the face, limbs, ears, nose,
vessels and many other underdevelopments.
- Although operations may improve some abnormalities, many are not surgically treatable
due to the lack of nerves and other related structures.
- The term is from Ancient Greek φώκη phōkē, "seal (animal)" + -o- interfix + μέλος melos,
"limb" + ια -ia suffix).
This study source was downloaded by 100000898495062 from CourseHero.com on 05-13-2025 01:08:31 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/249524955/PHYSICS-291-CHAPTER-8-REVIEWdocx/
, - Phocomelia is an extremely rare congenital disorder involving malformation of the limbs
(dysmelia).
## Analysis (List)
- Étienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire coined the term in 1836.
- == Signs and symptoms ==
The symptoms of phocomelia syndrome are undeveloped limbs and absent pelvic bones;
however, various abnormalities can occur to the limbs and bones.
- Usually the upper limbs are not fully formed and sections of the "hands and arms may be
missing".
- Short arm bones, fused fingers, and missing thumbs will often occur.
- Sometimes hands or fingers will be present but limp due to having no bones or being
loosely attached.
## Background
Legs and feet are also affected similarly to the arms and hands. Individuals with phocomelia
will often lack thigh bones, and the hands or feet may be abnormally small or appear as
stumps due to their close "attachment to the body". According to National Organization for
Rare Disorders (NORD), individuals carrying phocomelia syndrome will generally show
symptoms of growth retardation previous to and after birth. The syndrome can also cause
severe mental deficiencies in infants. Infants born with phocomelia will normally have a
petite head with "sparse hair" that may appear "silvery-blonde".
This study source was downloaded by 100000898495062 from CourseHero.com on 05-13-2025 01:08:31 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/249524955/PHYSICS-291-CHAPTER-8-REVIEWdocx/
Physics 291, Chapter 8 Review
Professor Watson, Section 2
January 27, 2022
Phocomelia is a congenital condition that involves malformations of human arms and legs
which result in a flipper-like appendage. A prominent cause of phocomelia is the mother
being prescribed the use of the drug thalidomide during pregnancy; however, the causes of
most cases are to be determined.
Class Date: 7/6/2024
Professor’s Note: Avoid repetition of ideas in the main body.
GENERIC CONTENT:
## Discussion (List)
- Occurrence in an individual results in various abnormalities to the face, limbs, ears, nose,
vessels and many other underdevelopments.
- Although operations may improve some abnormalities, many are not surgically treatable
due to the lack of nerves and other related structures.
- The term is from Ancient Greek φώκη phōkē, "seal (animal)" + -o- interfix + μέλος melos,
"limb" + ια -ia suffix).
This study source was downloaded by 100000898495062 from CourseHero.com on 05-13-2025 01:08:31 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/249524955/PHYSICS-291-CHAPTER-8-REVIEWdocx/
, - Phocomelia is an extremely rare congenital disorder involving malformation of the limbs
(dysmelia).
## Analysis (List)
- Étienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire coined the term in 1836.
- == Signs and symptoms ==
The symptoms of phocomelia syndrome are undeveloped limbs and absent pelvic bones;
however, various abnormalities can occur to the limbs and bones.
- Usually the upper limbs are not fully formed and sections of the "hands and arms may be
missing".
- Short arm bones, fused fingers, and missing thumbs will often occur.
- Sometimes hands or fingers will be present but limp due to having no bones or being
loosely attached.
## Background
Legs and feet are also affected similarly to the arms and hands. Individuals with phocomelia
will often lack thigh bones, and the hands or feet may be abnormally small or appear as
stumps due to their close "attachment to the body". According to National Organization for
Rare Disorders (NORD), individuals carrying phocomelia syndrome will generally show
symptoms of growth retardation previous to and after birth. The syndrome can also cause
severe mental deficiencies in infants. Infants born with phocomelia will normally have a
petite head with "sparse hair" that may appear "silvery-blonde".
This study source was downloaded by 100000898495062 from CourseHero.com on 05-13-2025 01:08:31 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/249524955/PHYSICS-291-CHAPTER-8-REVIEWdocx/
