Which congenital defect may result from the faulty cell mechanism of apoptosis?

Apoptosis, the process of programmed cell death, plays a crucial role in normal development. When this mechanism is disrupted, it can lead to congenital defects.

Bowel atresia, which involves the incomplete development or absence of a part of the intestinal lumen, can be linked to faulty apoptosis. During embryonic development, specific cells are meant to die off to ensure normal organ formation and an appropriate intestinal structure. If apoptosis is defective, this can lead to improper development and the formation of bowel atresia, as the necessary cellular remodeling does not occur.

In contrast, conditions like spina bifida, Bowen's disease, and congenital heart defects typically have different embryological origins and are not directly associated with the dysregulation of apoptosis in the same way bowel atresia is. Understanding the roles of cellular mechanisms in development helps clarify why certain congenital defects arise from specific dysfunctions.