Final answer:
The term atresia describes the congenital absence of a normal body opening, commonly occurring in structures such as the gastrointestinal tract, heart, and ear. It can also affect the reproductive system. Atresia is different from stenosis, which refers to a narrowing or constriction of a body opening.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term atresia refers to the congenital absence of a normal body opening. It commonly occurs in structures such as the gastrointestinal tract, heart, and ear. For example, atresia of the esophagus is a condition where the esophagus is not properly formed, leading to feeding difficulties in newborns.
Atresia can also occur in other body systems, such as the reproductive system. In females, atresia may affect the development of the vagina or other parts of the reproductive tract.
It is important to note that atresia is different from stenosis, which refers to a narrowing or constriction of a body opening, rather than its absence.
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