Dysmorphology

Dysmorphology is the study of birth defects. The term was coined by David Weyhe Smith, the father of dysmorphology, in 1966. Smith was instrumental in paving the way for the understanding of physical abnormalities which originate before birth. Dysmorphology result from deformations, disruptions, or malformations which poignantly affect the child's physique and appearance.

Examples of such features include congenital heart defects, microcephaly, eye-ball protrusion, and short stature.