Embryology

Embryology

Introduction

Embryology is the branch of Biology that studies the development of gametes (sex cells), fertilization, and development of embryos and fetuses. Additionally, it encompasses the study of congenital disorders that occur before birth. As a fundamental aspect of Developmental biology, embryology has applications in reproductive technologies, understanding human development, and evolutionary biology.

Stages of human embryogenesis.

History

The study of embryology dates back to the ancient civilizations, with Aristotle being one of the earliest to record observations on chick development. In the 19th century, the invention of the microscope and the formulation of the cell theory significantly advanced the field. Scientists like Ernst Haeckel contributed to embryology with his "biogenetic law," although later criticized, it sparked further research and interest in the developmental processes.

Embryology

Processes

Embryological development involves several key processes:

• Gametogenesis: The formation of male and female gametes.
• Fertilization: The fusion of gametes to form a zygote.
• Cleavage: Rapid cell division of the zygote.
• Gastrulation: The formation of the three germ layers.
• Organogenesis: The formation of organs from the germ layers.
• Morphogenesis: The development of shape in the organism.

Applications

Embryology has practical applications in various fields:

• In Medicine, for the diagnosis and treatment of congenital anomalies and in fertility treatments.
• In Genetics, for understanding genetic diseases and developmental disorders.
• In Conservation biology, for breeding endangered species through in vitro fertilization and other assisted reproductive technologies.

Research Methods

Modern embryology research employs a variety of techniques, including:

• Genetic editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9 to study gene function.
• Imaging technologies such as MRI and ultrasound for in vivo observation of embryonic development.
• Cell culture and in vitro fertilization for studying early development stages.

Gray's Anatomy > Embryology

• Gray's Anatomy 2 see The Animal Cell

• Gray's Anatomy 3 see The Ovum

• Gray's Anatomy 4 see The Spermatozoön

• Gray's Anatomy 5 see Fertilization of the Ovum

• Gray's Anatomy 6 see Segmentation of the Fertilized Ovum

• Gray's Anatomy 7 see The Neural Groove and Tube

• Gray's Anatomy 8 see The Notochord

• Gray's Anatomy 9 see The Primitive Segments

• Gray's Anatomy 10 see Separation of the Embryo

• Gray's Anatomy 11 see The Yolk-sac

• Gray's Anatomy 12 see Development of the Fetal Membranes and Placenta

• Gray's Anatomy 13 see The Branchial Region

• Gray's Anatomy 14 see Development of the Body Cavities

• Gray's Anatomy 15 see The Form of the Embryo at Different Stages of Its Growth

Gray's Anatomy 16 see Bibliography

Back to Anatomy

See Also

• Developmental biology
• Teratology
• In vitro fertilisation

References

• Gilbert, S.F. (latest edition). Developmental Biology. Sinauer Associates, Inc.
• Moore, K.L., Persaud, T.V.N., & Torchia, M.G. (latest edition). The Developing Human: Clinically Oriented Embryology. Elsevier.

External Links

• Society for Developmental Biology
• Embryology Education and Research Website

Gray's Anatomy

• Gray's Anatomy Contents
• Gray's Anatomy Subject Index
• About Classic Gray's Anatomy
• Note to Contributors of Gray's Anatomy
• Glossary of anatomy terms

Anatomy atlases (external)

[1] - Anatomy Atlases

Embryology Resources
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