Embryology

Mitosis

Cell division process that increases cell number, essential for the development of a multi-cellular organism.

Cleavage

Another term for mitosis, crucial for the early stages of embryonic development.

Morula

Solid ball of cells resulting from early cleavages, precursor to the blastula.

Blastula

Hollow ball of cells formed from the morula, with an inner cell mass containing embryonic stem cells.

Endoderm, Mesoderm, Ectoderm

Three layers formed during embryonic development, giving rise to different tissues and organs.

Differentiation

Process occurring on weeks 7-8, where stem cells transform into various cell types.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells with the potential to become specialized cells, found in various tissues.

Totipotent

Stem cells capable of developing into any cell type.

Embryonic Stem Cells

Stem cells derived from blastulas, with the potential to differentiate into various cell types.

Site of Development

Refers to whether the embryo develops externally or internally in the mother's body.

Placental Mammals

Mammals like humans where the embryo develops internally in a uterus nourished by the placenta.

Marsupials

Mammals like kangaroos where the embryo is born at a premature stage and completes development externally in a pouch.

amnion (egg)

surrounds the embryo, blood vessels penetrate the yolk sac to transport food to the developing embryo

allantois

respirtaory surface, storage site for nitrogenous wastes, uric acid

chorion

outer membrane surrounding the other embryonic membranes

albumin

protein reserve/egg white