CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What does agenesis refer to in medical terms?

1. Excessive growth of cells

2. Presence of an additional organ

3. Absence of an organ

4. Inflammation of organs

The correct answer is: Absence of an organ

Agenesis in medical terms refers specifically to the absence of an organ or a part of an organ that is supposed to develop and be present in the human body. This condition can occur during embryonic development when an organ fails to form completely. For instance, agenesis can happen with structures like the kidneys, where one or both may not develop properly, leading to significant clinical implications. The condition is generally identified through imaging methods or examinations that reveal the absence of the expected organ, confirming a diagnosis of agenesis. The other options do not accurately define the term: excessive growth of cells points to hyperplasia or neoplasia, while the presence of an additional organ would indicate a duplication or anomaly, and inflammation relates to conditions such as -itis, which describes swelling or irritation of organs rather than their absence. Understanding agenesis is critical in radiography, as recognizing the absence of an organ is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management in patient care.