Embryology Flashcards
Define ‘oocyte’
Cell in ovary which undergoes meiotic division to form ovum
Define ‘zygote’
Fertilized ovum (diploid cell); oocyte + sperm
Define ‘blastocyst’
Hollow sphere of cells with a cell inner cell mass, just before implantation
Define ‘monozygotic’
Twins derived from a single ovum (identical twins)
Define ‘dizygotic’
Twins derived from two ovum (fraternal twins)
Define ‘cytotrophoblasts’
Interior cell layer of blastocyst
Define ‘syncytiotrophoblast’
Outer layer of cells of blastocyst; no plasma membrane but many nuclei; invasive into uterine wall
Define ‘embryo’
Implanted bundle of cells less than 8 weeks after conception
Define ‘fetus’
Implanted cells more than 8 weeks after conception
Describe the embryonic and fetal periods of development
Embryonic period (0-8 weeks): Establishment of organ systems
Fetal period (9 weeks to birth): Growth and maturation of organ system; stuff just gets bigger
Describe the first week of human development and pathogenesis and outcome ectopic pregnancies
First week:
- Day 0: oocyte released from ovary; fertilization occurs in uterine tube
- Day 2: Zygote completes first division (2 cells)
- Day 3: 4 cells and 8 cells; size stays constant
- Day 4: Morula (solid ball of cells)
- Day 5-6: Embryo “hatches” from zona pellucida; increases size of mass
- Day 7: Blastocyst forms and implants
Ectopic pregnancy locations:
- Ectopic pregnancies are located outside uterine walls
- Most common ectopic location is ampulla of uterine tube (dilated part that curves over ovary)
Explain how home pregnancy tests work
Pregnancy test detect elevated hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in maternal urine and blood.
- Trophoblast produces hCG
- hCG maintains corpus luteum
- corpus luteum produces progesterone
Describe process of in vitro fertilisation
Two methods:
- oocyte is washed over by sperm
- single sperm is injected into oocyte
Embryo is placed in uterus after 3 days
Describe process of genetic screening
- Cells can be removed from early embryo (before 8 cell stage) since remaining cells are totipotent (no side effects from removal.
- Cell can be screened from genetic diseases
Describe multiple gestations
- Identical twins: single fertilized zygote divides into two
- Fraternal twins: two fertilized zygotes