Embryonic Development and Gastrulation

A set of flashcards focusing on key vocabulary related to embryonic development and gastrulation.

Gastrulation

A phase in embryonic development that involves the rearrangement of cells in the blastula to form three distinct layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.

Zygote

The initial single cell formed when a sperm fertilizes an egg.

Blastula

An early stage in embryonic development characterized by a hollow ball of cells.

Blastocoel

The fluid-filled cavity inside a blastula.

Embryonic Development

The stage of development from fertilization to the end of the eighth week of gestation.

Fetal Development

The stage of development that lasts from the ninth week until birth.

Neurulation

The process during embryonic development that forms the neural tube, which will develop into the nervous system.

Ectoderm

The outermost germ layer that develops into the skin and nervous system.

Mesoderm

The middle germ layer that develops into muscles, bones, and the cardiovascular system.

Endoderm

The innermost germ layer that forms the epithelial lining of the gut and respiratory tracts.

Primitive Streak

A structure that forms during gastrulation that establishes the body axes and leads to the formation of the three germ layers.

Morphogenesis

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

Cell Differentiation

The process by which cells become specialized in structure and function.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

A hormone involved in the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles.

Organogenesis

The process of organ formation during embryonic development.

Cranio-Caudal Development

The growth pattern in embryos where development occurs from head to tail.