Embryology: Introduction and General Principles

Embryology · Basic Sciences

How it begins

Embryology is the science of origin: it studies the molecular, cellular and morphogenetic mechanisms that transform a single cell—the zygote—into an organism of billions of cells with structural and functional identity. To understand these principles is to understand the basis of congenital malformations and the biology of human development.

What it covers

1. Definition, Branches and History of Embryology
2. · Main Branches of Embryology
3. · Brief History of Embryology
4. Gametogenesis: Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis
5. · Origin of Primordial Germ Cells (PGC)
6. · Meiosis: Fundamental Principles
7. · Spermatogenesis
8. · Oogenesis
9. Fertilization: Molecular Mechanisms and Results
10. · Fertilization Sequence
11. · Fertilization Results
12. Clivation, Compaction and Blastocyst Formation
13. · Stages of Cleavage
14. · Compaction and First Cell Differentiation
15. Blastocyst Implantation and Week 2 of Development
16. · Implementation Events
17. · Week 2: "The Week of Two"
18. Gastrulation: From Bilamine to Trilamine
19. · The Primitive Line
20. · Cell Movements in Gastrulation
21. · The Three Germinal Layers and Their Derivatives
22. · Hensen's Node and the Notochord
23. Neurulation: Formation of the Neural Tube and Neural Crest
24. · The Neural Crest: The Fourth Germinal Layer
25. Somitogenesis, Embryo Folding and Weeks 4–8
26. · Somitogenesis: The Segmenting Clock
27. · Folding of the Embryo
28. · The Embryonic Period (Weeks 4–8): Organogenesis
29. Extraembryonic Membranes
30. Placenta: Development, Function and Fetoplacental Circulation
31. · Development of Chorial Villi
32. · Remodeling of the Spiral Arteries
33. · Endocrine Functions of the Placenta
34. · Fetal Circulation: Key Differences from Postnatal Circulation
35. The Fetal Period: Growth, Maturation and Milestones
36. Molecular Regulation of Development: HOX Genes, Morphogens and Signaling
37. · HOX Genes: The Body Positional Code
38. · Key Signaling Routes in Development
39. Teratology: Teratogenic Agents and Critical Periods
40. · Wilson's Principles of Teratology (1959)
41. · Clinically Relevant Teratogens
42. Twin and Multiple Pregnancy: Zygosity, Chorionicity and Amnionicity
43. Prenatal Diagnosis: Invasive and Non-Invasive Methods
44. Congenital Malformations: Classification and Embryological Bases
45. · Fundamental Terminology
46. · Etiology of Congenital Malformations
47. Embryonic Stem Cells, iPSC and Regenerative Medicine
48. · Stem Cell Potency Hierarchy
49. · Organoids: In Vitro Development