Hypospadias is classified as what type of defect?

Hypospadias is classified as a congenital defect because it is a condition present at birth that affects the development of the male urethra. In hypospadias, the opening of the urethra is not located at the tip of the penis but rather along the underside, which indicates that it is a structural abnormality developed during fetal development. This classification is important in understanding the nature of the condition, as congenital defects arise due to factors that influence development during pregnancy, which can include genetic and environmental factors.

Acquired defects typically refer to conditions that develop after birth due to injuries, infections, or diseases, which does not apply to hypospadias. Traumatic defects are a result of external physical trauma, which again is not relevant in this case. Inherited defects suggest that the condition is passed down genetically from parents to offspring, which may contribute to some congenital conditions, but hypospadias itself is primarily classified as a congenital issue, not directly inherited in most cases.