The term dwarfism is defined as any adult measuring 4 feet 10 inches in height or less (Knight 388). There are approximately 200 known cases of dwarfism resulting primarily from genetic disorders. Among the 200 types of dwarfism, achondroplasia is the most commonly identified case (Sandhyarani). Other types of dwarfism that we hear more often include primordial dwarfism, pituitary dwarfism, and Turner syndrome. One of the most misunderstood facts about dwarfism is that it is not a disease, it is most often caused by a genetic disorder. Achondroplasia, the most well-known type of dwarfism, is followed by numerous symptoms and indications. “This disorder is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder [and is] caused by abnormalities in the autosomal dominant gene found on the autosomal chromosome” (Parekh). People who are diagnosed with achondroplasia are known to have a seemingly large head with much shorter arms and legs, a prominent forehead with a protruding jaw, and misaligned teeth (“Symptoms of Dwarfism”). The most common and visible symptoms include a forward curve of the lower spine and the famous bowed legs that we see in many diagnosed cases. Another famous type of existing dwarfism is primordial dwarfism. This form of dwarfism carries many more health risks than other forms, since symptoms begin in the womb. Very often, the limbs of a person with primordial dwarfism are in proportion to their body, but they suffer from being extremely small and underweight. Symptoms that appear while the person is still fetal consist of barely visible growth in the mother's womb, labor pains begin early at 35 weeks and lead to premature delivery; and after birth, the newborn's organs are f...... middle of paper ......2010. E-book collection (EBSCOhost). Internet. November 12, 2011. Parekh, Nilesh. “Achondroplasia – Causes, Symptoms and Treatments”. Buzzle Web Portal: intelligent life on the Web. November 13, 2011. "Pituitary dwarfism" - definition of pituitary dwarfism in the medical dictionary - by the free online medical dictionary, thesaurus and encyclopedia. Medical dictionary. Internet. November 13, 2011. "Pseudoachondroplasia | Definition and Patient Education | Healthline." Medical Information for Healthy Living | Health Line. Internet. November 13, 2011. Sandhyarani, Ningthoujam. “Types of Dwarfism.” Buzzle Web Portal: intelligent life on the Web. November 12, 2011. “Congenital Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia – Genetics Home Reference.” Genetics Home Reference - Your guide to understanding genetic conditions. Internet. November 14, 2011. “Symptoms of Dwarfism.” Dwarfism webpage. Internet. November 11. 2011.