What does 'malformation' typically indicate in the context of congenital defects?

Malformation typically indicates a failure of tissue formation during the embryonic or fetal development stage. In the context of congenital defects, this term refers specifically to structural abnormalities that arise due to intrinsic factors affecting the formation and differentiation of tissues, organs, or body parts in the developing fetus. These malformations occur early in development and can result in noticeable changes in anatomy that can be detected at birth or later in life.

This understanding distinguishes malformations from other types of congenital defects that may be caused by external factors, genetic predispositions, or injuries sustained after development is well underway. For example, issues caused by external forces would fall under the category of deformations or disruptions, not malformations. Similarly, while genetic predisposition can lead to various congenital conditions, malformations specifically derive from failures in the initial formation processes. Lastly, injuries sustained after sufficient development relate to acquired conditions rather than inherent developmental issues, which further clarifies the exclusivity of the term 'malformation.'