Embryonic Development and Fluid Balance

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts from embryonic development and fluid balance as discussed in the lecture.

Primary Germ Layers

Three layers of cells formed during embryogenesis: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.

Ectoderm

The outermost germ layer, which develops into the epidermis of the skin, brain, and spinal cord.

Mesoderm

The middle germ layer, which gives rise to all muscle tissues and most connective tissues.

Endoderm

The innermost germ layer, which lines the gastrointestinal tract and forms the liver.

Organogenesis

The process of organ formation that occurs after the primary germ layers are established.

Placenta

An organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy, providing nutrients and oxygen to the fetus and removing waste.

Trophoblasts

Cells forming the outer layer of the blastocyst, which develop into the placenta.

Chorion

The fetal portion of the placenta that assists in maternal-fetal exchange.

Decidua Basalis

The maternal portion of the placenta that is derived from the endometrium.

Hormones in Pregnancy

Hormones such as hCG and progesterone that help maintain pregnancy.

Fetal Period

The final stage of prenatal development, lasting from the 9th week until birth.

Teratogens

Environmental factors that can impair normal fetal development.

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

The fluid found inside cells, comprising about 60% of total body water in adult males.

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

The fluid located outside the cells, making up about 40% of total body water in adult males.

Solutes

Substances that are dissolved in a solvent, constituting solutions.

Electrolytes

Ionic compounds that dissociate into charged particles (ions) in solution.

Non-electrolytes

Substances that do not dissociate into ions in solution.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane influenced by solute concentration.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution with a lower solute concentration than another solution.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution with a higher solute concentration than another solution.

Isotonic Solution

A solution with the same solute concentration as another solution.