Embryonic Development Review

A series of flashcards to help review key vocabulary and concepts related to embryonic development.

Zygote

The fertilized egg that results from the union of sperm and egg.

Acrosomal Reaction

The reaction where enzymes are released from the acrosome of the sperm to digest the outer layers of the egg.

Blastocyst

A stage of embryonic development featuring a fluid-filled cavity and an inner cell mass.

Implantation

The process by which the blastocyst attaches to and embeds in the uterine wall.

Gastrulation

The phase in embryonic development where the blastocyst develops into a gastrula, forming three germ layers.

Neurulation

The process of forming the neural tube from the neural plate.

Placenta

An organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy, enabling nutrient, gas exchange, and waste removal.

Umbilical Cord

A tube that connects the fetus to the placenta, containing arteries and a vein for nutrient and waste exchange.

hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)

A hormone secreted by the placenta that supports pregnancy by maintaining the corpus luteum.

Ectoderm

The outer germ layer that develops into the epidermis and nervous system.

Mesoderm

The middle germ layer that forms bones, muscles, and the circulatory system.

Endoderm

The inner germ layer that develops into the gastrointestinal system, lungs, and other organs.

Neural Crest

Cells that arise from the folds of the neural tube and contribute to the peripheral nervous system.

Heart Tube

The initial structure from which the heart develops during early embryonic development.

Ductus Arteriosus

A fetal blood vessel connecting the pulmonary artery to the aorta, bypassing the lungs.

Foramen Ovale

A shunt in the fetal heart between the right and left atria allowing blood to bypass the lungs.

Primitive Heart Tube

The early form of the heart composed of fused cardiac mesoderm.

Aortic Arches

Arterial structures that develop into major arteries during embryonic development.

Oligohydramnios

A condition characterized by insufficient amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus.

Polyhydramnios

A condition characterized by an excess of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus.

Wharton's Jelly

A gelatinous substance in the umbilical cord that protects the blood vessels.

Facial Prominences

Structures that develop and fuse to form the face during embryonic development.

Cleft Palate

A condition resulting from the failure of the palate to fuse completely during development.

Neural Tube Defects

Congenital malformations resulting from the failure of the neural tube to close properly.

Amniotic Fluid

Fluid within the amniotic sac that cushions and protects the developing fetus.

Kidney Development

The process in which the renal structures develop from the mesoderm during embryonic development.

Pronephros

The earliest stage of kidney development, which is non-functional.

Mesonephros

The second stage of kidney development, which is temporary and partially functional.

Metanephros

The final and mature stage of kidney development that continues throughout fetal life.

Neurulation Failure

An embryonic defect resulting in conditions like Anencephaly and Spina Bifida.