What is defined as a congenital abnormality resulting in deformity or abnormal shape?

A malformation refers to a congenital abnormality that leads to a deformity or an abnormal shape in anatomical structures. This term specifically describes developmental issues that occur during the formation of a body part, resulting in structural irregularities. Such irregularities can be in the form of size, shape, or structure, and they typically arise during embryonic development.

Dysplasia would generally indicate abnormal growth or development of a specific tissue or organ, which may not necessarily involve a deformity or reshaping but rather an improper organization of cells. Anomaly is a broader term that encompasses any deviation from the norm, including congenital conditions, but it does not specifically focus on the concept of deformation. Deviation refers to a divergence from a standard or norm but lacks the specificity to congenital growth and form abnormalities that malformation entails. These distinctions clarify why malformation is the most accurate choice in this context.