Effect of Pollutants On Developmental Anatomy and Physiology

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:
· Understand how pollutants interfere with anatomical and physiological development.
· Identify the critical stages of development that are vulnerable to toxic agents.
· Analyze the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying placental function.

Understand the ways in which environmental pollutants affect human development. Recognize and describe critical windows of vulnerability during embryonic and fetal development, linking them to the main types of exposure to xenobiotics. Interpret the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the transmission of toxic agents from mother to fetus, with particular attention to the role of the placental barrier. Apply appropriate scientific terminology in describing congenital malformations, physiological dysfunctions, and developmental alterations caused by pollutants. Critically analyze scientific data on the environmental impact on developing organisms and formulate hypotheses regarding public health risks.