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The Child's Immune System What is the immune system? The immune system protects your child's body from outside invaders. This includes germs, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and toxins (chemicals made by microbes). The immune system is made up of different organs, cells

Osteosarcoma (Osteogenic Sarcoma) in Children What is osteosarcoma in children? Osteosarcoma is very rare, but it's the most common kind of bone cancer in children and teens. It's most common in teens and young adults. Osteosarcoma is cancer that starts in the bone. The cancer

Open Neural Tube Defects (ONTDs) in Children What are open neural tube defects in children? Open neural tube defects (ONTDs) are problems with the way the brain, spinal cord, or spine forms while a baby is growing in the pregnant person’s uterus. These problems occur in about 1

Sexually Transmitted Infections in Teens What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infectious diseases spread through sexual contact. About 50 out of 100 new STIs happen in people ages 15 to 24. Protecting your teen from STIs The

Tourette Disorder in Children What is Tourette disorder in children? Tourette disorder (TD) is a neurological disorder. It is also called Tourette syndrome. The disorder causes repeated tics. Tics are sudden, uncontrolled vocal sounds or muscle jerks. Symptoms of TD often start

Spina Bifida in Children What is spina bifida in children? Spina bifida is a condition present at birth (birth defect) when there are problems with the spine, spinal cord, and the surrounding nerves. It can cause part of the spinal cord and areas around it to form outside of the

Cleft Lip and Palate in Children What are cleft lip and cleft palate in children? Cleft lip and palate are openings or splits in the upper lip or roof of the mouth (palate). A child can be born with a cleft lip, cleft palate, or both. Cleft lip and palate may be the only birth

Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Children What is spinal muscular atrophy in children? Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a disease of the nerves and muscles caused by certain genes. It affects the motor neurons in the spinal cord. It causes muscle wasting and weakness. What causes

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) in Children What is myasthenia gravis in children? Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a disorder that causes weakness in muscles around the body. This happens because antibodies destroy some of the places where nerves and muscles meet (neuromuscular connections). MG

Labor What is labor? Labor is when the uterus contracts again and again to help the cervix open (dilate) and to thin (efface). The contractions get stronger with time. This causes the fetus to move through the birth canal. Labor usually starts 2 weeks before or after the