Embryology Flashcards
LO E1.2 Discuss the changes taking place as the fertilised human ovum (zygote) travels down the Fallopian (uterine) tube to the uterus
Fertilisation
- Oocyte is released from the ovary
- Travels along the Fallopian (uterine) tube
- Is fertilized by sperm in the ampulla
- Fertilised oocyte is called the zygote
- Ideal site for implantation is the posterior uterine wall
LO 1.3 Define a zygote
Zygote - A fertilised ovum/oocyte
LO 1.3 Define Cleavage
Cleavage - The dividing of cells into two masses known as blastomeres. First cleavage happens ~30 hours after fertilisation (resting period)
LO 1.3 Define Zona Pellucida
The glycoprotein ‘shell’ to prevent polyspermy
LO 1.3 Define Morula
The result of cleavage of the fertilised oocyte, each cell is Totipotent
LO 1.3 Define Ovary
The female reproductive organ producing oocytes/eggs for fertilisation
LO 1.3 Define Fallopian tube
A tube the oocyte travels along to reach the uterus. The egg is fertilised at the ampulla of the fallopian tube.
LO 1.3 Define Uterus
Female reproductive organ where implantation of the zygote and growth of the embryo occurs
LO 1.3 Define Blastocyst
Formed from the compaction of cells that make up the morula
LO 1.3 Define Trophoblast
(Outer cell mass) will later form support structures for the embryo (placenta)
LO 1.3 Define Embryoblast
(Inner cell mass) will later become the bilaminar disk
LO 1.3 Define Implantation
The attachment of the Blastocyst to the wall of the uterus at day 6 – 7
LO 1.3 Define Cytotrophoblast
(Derivative of Trophoblast) Placental membrane around the yolk sac
LO 1.3 Define Syncytiotrophoblast
(Derivative of Trophoblast) Cells that invade maternal sinusoids (irregular blood vessels) resulting in uteroplacental circulation.
LO 1.4 Discuss the formation of the Blastocyst and the initial stages of implantation (week 1)
Week 1 – Compaction (Day 4)
Blastomeres making up morula compact to form the Blastocyst
Embryoblast (Inner cell mass)
Trophoblast (Outer cell mass)
Blastocyst Cavity
Week 1 – Hatching (Day 5)
- Blastocyst hatches from the zona pellucida
- No longer constrained and free to enlarge
- Can now interact with the uterine surface to implant
Week 1 – Implantation Begins (Day 6–7)
- The conceptus now has 107 cells.
- 8 will make the embryo
- 99 will begin the development of the foetal membrane