Introduction to embryology

Human development is a continuous process that continues even after birth. It is divided

into pre- and post-natal development

Embryonic period starts from fertilization and lasts till the end of the 8th week

The foetal period lasts from the 8th week till birth

Prenatal development is divided into 3 trimesters. Each trimester consists of 3 calendar

months

First trimester is a critical period as all organs are being formed during this

Ovum is a mature female gamete

Blighted ovum are dead embryos

Sperm is a male gamete

Zygote is a single cell formed when male and female gametes fuse with each other

2 cell stage 4 cell stage  8 cell stage Morula (16 cell stage)  Blastula  Gastrula

(3rd week) Neurula (4th week)

Embryo – at the end of the 8th week, the beginnings of all major structures are present

Foetus - differentiation of tissues and organs occurs

Conceptus – derivatives of a zygote

Primordium/ Anlage – First indication of an organ or body part

Craniocaudal sequence applies during development. This means that the upper limb bud

appears day 26 while lower limb bud appears day 28. {basically, head to toe

development}

An Abortion is the premature stoppage of development and expulsion of product of

conception or expulsion of an embryo or Foetus before it is viable (before 20 weeks).

The types of abortion are:

o Threatened abortion  Possibility of abortion

o Spontaneous abortion  Occurs naturally in about 15% of pregnancies.

o Habitual 

o Complete  The embryo, placenta and all of the membranes will be aborted. In

incomplete abortions, only the embryo will be aborted and surgery is required to

convert it to a complete abortion. The procedure is known as D and C (Dilation

and curettage).

o Induced  It can be therapeutic or criminal. Doctors are usually not involved in

criminal induced abortions and there is a high risk of septicemia and other

infections due to the fact that it is not conducted in a sanitary way following

SOPs.

o Missed In this, the pregnancy stops developing and the embryo remains in the

uterus and cervical os is closed

o Miscarriage  Spontaneous expulsion of a fetus and it’s membranes before the

middle of the 2nd trimester. Before 20 weeks is a miscarriage while post 20 weeks

varies. If alive it is a premature birth while if dead it is known as IUD (Intra

Uterine Death)

Neonatal period  First 4 weeks of development

Infancy  First year of life; body grows rapidly. {complete notes required}

Childhood  13 months – 12-13 years

Puberty  12/13 years onwards

During puberty, development of secondary sexual characteristics takes place. For male

subjects it is from 13-16 years while in female subjects its from 12-14 years. Pre puberty

growth spurts may also take place

Adolescence  12- 17 years + physical and psychological development takes place

Ossification and growth are completed by 25 years

Teratology  Science which deals with the study of birth defects.

Obstetricians  Knowledge of developing humans at different stages of intrauterine life

Paediatricians 

Surgeons  Surgical correction of birth defects

Physicians 