Principles of Development

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to the principles of embryonic development.

Embryogenesis

The process of embryonic development.

Direct development

A type of development where organisms develop into a mature form without a larval stage.

Indirect development

A type of development that involves intermediate larval stages before reaching adulthood.

Cleavage

The early cell division by mitosis that transforms the zygote into a morula.

Morula

A solid ball of cells resulting from the cleavage of a zygote.

Blastula

A hollow sphere of cells that develops from the morula during early embryonic development.

Gastrulation

The process that transforms the blastula into a gastrula, forming three germ layers.

Neurulation

The folding process in embryonic development that morphs the neural plate into the neural tube.

Protostomes

A group of animals whose blastopore becomes the mouth; includes segmented worms and arthropods.

Deuterostomes

A group of animals whose blastopore becomes the anus; includes echinoderms and chordates.

Germ layers

The three layers of cells (ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm) that form during gastrulation, giving rise to different tissues.

Amniotic cavity

A fluid-filled space surrounding the embryo, providing cushioning and support.

Allantois

An extraembryonic membrane involved in waste disposal and gas exchange.

Chorion

An extraembryonic membrane that contributes to the formation of the placenta.

Trophoblast

The outer layer of cells in the blastocyst that will develop into the placenta.

Differentiation

The process by which cells become specialized for different functions during development.

Morphogenesis

The biological process that causes an organism to develop its shape.