A pedigree is a diagram of a family tree showing the relationships between individuals together with relevant facts about their medical histories. A pedigree analysis is the interpretation of these data that allows a better understanding of the transmission of genes within the family. In human genetics, pedigree study provides a strong tool, which is utilized to trace the inheritance of a specific trait, abnormality or disease. By carefully observing the position of affected individuals, mutation carriers may be identified. From this data, the risk of carrier status for other family members or the chance that a couple may have an affected child can be estimated.
