Chapter 3: Prenatal Development Flashcards
Mesoderm
The middle layer of cells, which becomes the circulatory system, bones, muscles, excretory system, and reproductive system
Endoderm
The inner layer of cells, which develops into digestive and respiratory systems
Ectoderm
The outermost layer of cells, which becomes the nervous system and brain, sensory receptors (ears, nose, and eyes for ex),and skin parts (hair and nails for ex)
Amnion
The life support system that is a thin bag or envelope that contains a clear fluid in which the developing embryo floats
Umbilical cord
Contains two arteries and one vein, and connects the baby to the placenta
Placenta
Consists of a disk shaped group of tissues in which small blood vessels from the mother and the offspring intertwine but don’t join
Organogenesis
Process of organ formation that takes ok ace during the first two months of prenatal development
Fetal period
The prenatal period of development that begins two months after conception and lasts for seven months, on the average
Neurons
The term for nerve cells, which handle information processing at the cellular level
Neurogenesis
The formations new neurons
Teratogen
From the Greek word “tera” meaning monster, any agent that can potentially cause a physical birth defect. The field of study that investigates the causes of birth defects is called teratology
Fetal alcohol syndrome disorders
A cluster of abnormalities and problems that Woodard in the offspring of mothers who drink alcohol heavily during pregnancy
Germinal period
The period of prenatal development that treks place in the first two weeks after conception. It includes the creation of the zygote, continued cell division, and the attachment of the zygote to the uterine wall
Blastocyst
The inner mass of cells the develops during the terminal period. These cells later develop into the embryo.
Trophoblast
The outer layer of cells that develops in the germinal period. These cells later provide nutrition and support for the embryo.
