atresia

a·tre·sia   (ə-trē'zhə, -zhē-ə)    n.   The absence or closure of a normal body orifice or tubular passage such as the anus, intestine, or external ear canal. The degeneration and resorption of one or more ovarian follicles before a state of maturity has been reached. [New Latin atrēsia : Greek a-, not, without; see a-1 + Greek trēsis, perforation, orifice; see terə-1 in Indo-European roots.] a·tre·sic (-zĭk, -sĭk) adj.

Main Entry: atre·sia
Pronunciation: &-'trE-zh&
Function: noun
1 : absence or closure of a natural passage of the body<atresia of the small intestine>
2 : absence or disappearance of an anatomical part (as an ovarian follicle) by degeneration

atresia a·tre·sia (ə-trē'zhə, -zhē-ə)
n.

1. The congenital absence or closure of a normal body orifice or tubular passage such as the anus, intestine, or external ear canal.

2. The degeneration and resorption of one or more ovarian follicles before maturation.