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Fertilization and Early Development

Author: Amanda Soderlind

Fertilization

Source: Video and Images Created by Amanda Soderlind

Video Transcript

Early Development

Source: Video and Images Created by Amanda Soderlind

Video Transcript

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Terms to Know
Blastocyst

Roughly 5 days after implantation, a fluid-filled cavity will open up in the morula (ball of cells). This ball - with a thin layer of cells (the trophoblast) surrounding the cavity in which lies the inner cell mass - is called the blastocyst.

Blastomere

A cell that results from the cleavage of a zygote.

Cell Differentiation

The process of cells taking on specific forms and functions; also called specialization of cells.

Cleavage

A general term to describe the splitting or breaking apart of an object or molecule; in embryology, this is when the zygote starts to divide into multiple cells.

Ectoderm

The outer germ layer that forms the nervous system, skin, melanocytes and lenses of the eyes.

Embryo

A stage of development of an individual, formed from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst after it has implanted in the uterus.

Endoderm

The innermost germ layer that forms the digestive tract, respiratory tract, endocrine glands, auditory systems, and urinary bladder.

Fertilization

The process by which the a male gamete (sperm) combines with a female gamete (egg/oocyte).

Germ Layers

The first three layers of tissue that develops in the embryo as it starts to form (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm).

Inner Cell Mass

A layer of the blastocyst which will develop into an embryo.

Mesoderm

The middle germ layer that forms cartilage, bone, muscle, connective tissue, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, urinary system, respiratory system, and the outer layer of the digestive tract.

Morphogenesis

When an organism develops a specific shape.

Ovum

A mature egg cell.

Sexual Intercourse

The process in which semen is ejaculated from the male penis into the female vagina which can result in the fertilization of an egg cell.

Zygote

The first cell of an individual formed when a sperm cell fertilizes an egg cell.