Intro to Embryonic Development

What is the blastocyst composed of?

Inner cell mass and trophoblast.

What is gastrulation?

Formation of three germ layers: ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm.

What are the three primary germ layers formed during gastrulation?

Ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm.

What is neurulation?

Formation of the neural tube from the ectoderm.

What is somitogenesis?

Formation of somites from mesoderm.

What do somites differentiate into?

Skeletal muscles, vertebrae, and dermis.

What is the role of the notochord in gastrulation?

Defines the body axis.

What is the primitive streak in gastrulation?

A groove where cells migrate to form germ layers.

What is the neural plate in neurulation?

Thickened ectoderm that forms the neural tube.

What is the neural crest in neurulation?

Cells that differentiate into peripheral nervous system components.

What is the process of somite formation?

Originates from paraxial mesoderm.

What are the main types of mesoderm involved in somitogenesis?

Chorda, paraxial, intermediate, lateral, and head mesoderm.

What is the sclerotome in somitogenesis?

Forms vertebrae and intervertebral discs.

What is the syndetome in somitogenesis?

Forms tendons.

What is the dermomyotome in somitogenesis?

Forms dermis and skeletal muscles.

How do sclerotomes contribute to vertebral formation?

Split into cranial and caudal segments to form vertebrae.

What is the role of the epaxial myotome in somitogenesis?

Forms spinal muscles.

What is the role of the hypaxial myotome in somitogenesis?

Forms intercostal, oblique, abdominal, and limb muscles.

What is the significance of gastrulation in embryonic development?

Establishes the body plan.

What is the role of embryonic folding in morphogenesis?

Shapes the body form.

What is the role of the amniotic sac in embryonic development?

Protects the embryo.

What is the function of the yolk sac in avian embryos?

Provides nutrients.

How does gastrulation establish left-right symmetry in vertebrates?

Through specific molecular signals.

What is the significance of the primitive streak in gastrulation?

Initiates germ layer formation.

What are morphogens in embryonic development?

Signaling molecules that induce cell differentiation.