Which substances cause abnormalities in the embryo or fetus when administered to the maternal organism?

• A. Hepatotoxin
• B. Teratogenic substances
• C. Neurotoxin
• D. Hematopoietic toxin

Answer: (B)

Teratogenic substances are agents that cause developmental abnormalities in the embryo or fetus when a pregnant person is exposed. They interfere with critical processes like cell division, differentiation, and organ formation during key windows of development, leading to congenital malformations or functional deficits. The question specifically asks for what type of substances produce these fetal abnormalities from maternal exposure, and teratogenic substances are defined by that exact effect.

Hepatotoxins, neurotoxins, and hematopoietic toxins describe the primary organ or system they affect, not the broader outcome of producing fetal developmental abnormalities. They can harm the mother or fetus in various ways, but the term that directly answers the question about causing embryonic or fetal abnormalities is teratogenic substances.