Exam 4 Developmental Biology

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to developmental biology based on lecture notes.

Neural tube

A structure in early embryonic development that will develop into the central nervous system.

Flexures

Prominent bends in the neural tube; cephalic (front) and cervical (back).

Encephalon

Refers to the brain, which develops inside the head from the neural tube.

Neuron anatomy

The structure of a neuron, including dendrites (input), axon (output), and the synapse.

Dendrites

Branch-like structures of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

Axon

The long, thin part of a neuron that transmits electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body.

Synapse

The small gap between the axon of one neuron and the dendrite of another through which signals are transmitted.

Optic cups

Protrusions from the diencephalon that develop into retinas.

Pineal gland

An outgrowth from the diencephalon that produces melatonin and regulates sleep cycles.

Mesoderm derivatives

Structures that arise from the mesoderm layer, including bones, muscles, and the circulatory system.

Sclerotome

The part of a somite that gives rise to the vertebrae and ribs.

Myotome

The part of a somite that develops into muscle tissue.

Dermatome

The outer layer of the somite that forms the dermis of the skin.

Aortic arches

Curved vessels that connect to the developing heart and are remnants of gill structures in evolutionary history.

Ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny

The development of an organism (ontogeny) retraces the evolutionary history of its species (phylogeny).

Endoderm

The innermost germ layer that forms the gastrointestinal tract and associated organs.

Rathke's pouch

An outpocketing of the pharynx that develops into the anterior part of the pituitary gland.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Chorion

An extra-embryonic membrane that surrounds the embryo and facilitates gas exchange.

Amnion

An extra-embryonic membrane that creates a protective fluid-filled cavity around the developing embryo.

Yolk sac

An extra-embryonic membrane that provides nutrients to the embryo and is involved in blood cell formation.

Oxytocin

A hormone released during childbirth that stimulates uterine contractions.