What does teratogenesis refer to?

Teratogenesis specifically refers to the process by which congenital abnormalities or birth defects are produced in an embryo or fetus due to various factors including environmental influences, genetic malformations, or exposure to certain substances, such as drugs or chemicals during pregnancy. This term is crucial in fields like public health and toxicology, as it highlights the significance of understanding how certain exposures can lead to malformation and developmental issues in newborns.

The other options relate to different health concerns. For instance, development of respiratory issues pertains to conditions affecting the respiratory system, often due to pollutants or infections rather than the developmental processes linked to teratogenesis. Formation of tumors relates to cancer development, which is fundamentally different from the concept of teratogenesis, which focuses on formation during embryonic or fetal stages. Lastly, the effects of pesticides on reproduction encompass a broader spectrum of reproductive health concerns, including fertility and reproductive hormone disruption, without specifically addressing birth defects from developmental malformation.