Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

morphology 1
Literally, the study of form (struc-
ture). 
2
A form itself.
Morquio syndrome
A form of mucopolysaccha-
ridosis that is characterized by an inability to break
down keratan sulfate, which leads to abnormal
monocyte
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accumulation of keratan sulfate in muscle and
skeletal tissues. This in turn can lead to abnormali-
ties of the skeleton, muscles, skin, teeth, and mus-
cular organs. Diagnosis is made by examining
leukocytes and cultured skin fibroblasts or by
checking urine for high levels of keratan sulfate.
There is currently no treatment for Morquio syn-
drome, but physical therapy, medication, and some-
times surgery can reduce discomfort and enhance
the patient’s ability to move. Morquio syndrome is
inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Also
known as mucopolysaccharidosis type IV (MPS4).
See also 
mucopolysaccharidosis.
mortality 1
The condition of being mortal, of
eventually having to die. The opposite of mortality is
immortality. 
2
The rate of death.
mortality rate, fetal
See 
fetal mortality rate.
mortality rate, infant
See 
infant mortality
rate.
mortality rate, maternal
See 
maternal mor-
tality rate.
mortality rate, neonatal
See 
neonatal mortal-
ity rate.
mosaic
A person or a tissue that contains two or
more types of genetically different cells. All females
are mosaics because of X-chromosome inactivation
(lyonization). Mosaic patterns can affect the way
genetic disorders are expressed. For example,
about 5 percent of people with Down syndrome
have a mosaic variant in which only some cells have
an extra chromosome 21. Compared to others with
Down syndrome, these individuals have fewer clini-
cal symptoms, are more likely to have a normal IQ,
and are less likely to have heart and other problems
that can be associated with Down syndrome.