International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

What is the medical term for a birth defect where the baby's external ear is small and not properly formed?

1. Microtia

2. Macrotia

3. Atresia

4. Otoplasty

The correct answer is: Microtia

Microtia is the correct term for a birth defect characterized by the abnormal shape or size of the external ear. This condition often presents as a smaller-than-normal ear, which may be underdeveloped or have an unusual structure. Microtia can vary in severity, affecting only the external visible portion of the ear, while the inner ear function may still be normal in some cases. In contrast, macrotia refers to an abnormally large ear, which is not relevant to this question. Atresia typically describes a condition where there is an absence or closure of a bodily orifice, such as the ear canal, rather than focusing on the external ear's shape or form. Otoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting external ear deformities, rather than describing a defect itself. Therefore, microtia is precisely the term used to describe the indicated condition of improperly formed and smaller ears at birth.