Embryonic age

Embryonic Age
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms
Complications
Onset	Fertilization
Duration	8 weeks
Types
Causes	Conception
Risks
Diagnosis	Ultrasound
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment
Medication
Prognosis
Frequency
Deaths

The embryonic age is a term used in embryology to describe the age of an embryo. It is calculated from the time of fertilization and is typically expressed in weeks or days. The embryonic age is crucial for understanding the development stages of the embryo and is different from the gestational age, which is calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period.

Development Stages

The embryonic period lasts from fertilization until the end of the 8th week of gestation. During this time, the embryo undergoes significant development, including the formation of major organs and structures. This period is divided into several stages:

• Week 1-2: Zygote formation and blastocyst implantation.
• Week 3: Formation of the gastrula and the beginning of neurulation.
• Week 4: Development of the neural tube and somites.
• Week 5-8: Organogenesis, where major organs begin to form.

Importance of Embryonic Age

Understanding the embryonic age is essential for prenatal care and diagnosis of potential developmental issues. It helps in scheduling appropriate ultrasound examinations and other diagnostic tests to monitor the health and development of the embryo.

Differences from Gestational Age

While the embryonic age is calculated from the time of fertilization, the gestational age is calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period. This means that the gestational age is typically about two weeks longer than the embryonic age.

See Also

• Gestational age
• Fetal development
• Prenatal development

External Links

• Embryonic Age on WikiMD