Embryology Flashcards
Malformation
structure never formed properly and was abnormal to begin with due to underlying genetic, epigenetic, or environmental factor
Sequence
malformation triggers series of other defects; aka field defect
Potter Sequence
kidney agenesis -> absent urine production -> oligohydramnios -> constriction of fetal movement, clubfoot, pulmonary hypoplasia, Potter facies
Pierre-Robin Sequence
micrognathia (may be due to oligohydramnios) -> posteriorly displaced tongue -> u-shaped cleft palate and breathing obstruction
Deformation
genetic components and potential for normal development present but constrictions in space/external constraints lead to abnormalities
Disruption
potential for normalcy present but something interferes and destroys formation, usually abnormality in uterine environment
Dysplasia
intrinsic cellular architecture of tissue not normally maintained throughout growth and development
Syndrome
generally recognized and well-characterized constellation of major and minor anomalies that occur together in predictable fashion with known cause
Association
group of anomalies that occur more frequently together than would be predicted by chance alone but that lack a predictable pattern/unified underlying etiology
Major Anomalies
anomalies/malformations that create significant medical problems or require specific surgical/medical management
Minor Anomalies
features that vary from those most commonly seen in normal population that don’t cause increased morbidity
When do most internal organs form?
4-6w
When do digits and facial features form?
8-12w
When does neurological development occur?
throughout gestation
Gametogenesis
- process of forming haploid germ cells that will combine to make diploid zygotes
- oogenesis starts during embryonic development
- spermatogenesis starts during puberty
Fertilization
- 0w FA
- sperm drawn towards chemoattractant produced by ovum
- zona pellucidum becomes impermeable when a sperm penetrates
- sperm nucleus decondenses and forms pronucleus
- fertilization triggers ovum to complete meiosis II and form pronucleus
- pronuclei fuse
Cleavage
- 0.5w FA
- zygote rapidly divides and forms blastocyst with inner cell mass and trophoblast
Implantation
- 10d FA
- as soon as it occurs, trophoblast differentiates into cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast
Placenta and Amniotic Fluid
- 2w FA
- formal circulation system established and develops into placenta
- amnionic cavity forms in blastocyst and chorionic cavity encases developing cell mass
- as embryo grows, amnion rapidly expands and joins chorion (fully fused 14w) and contains amniotic fluid
Gastrulation
- 3w FA
- embryo transitions from bilaminar to trilaminar
- notochord forms and neural tube development starting
- somites develop
Folding
- 4w FA
- transverse: flat embryo rolls up and forms tubular structure
- longitudinal: head and tail curve inward
Heart Formation
- 3.5w - 9w FA
- first organ to fully develop
- critical period for major anomalies 3.5-6.5w
L-transposition of Great Arteries
- heart tube loops to left instead of right
- asymptomatic but may have conduction defects
Atrial Septal Defects
- LR shunt
- heart failure, FTT< pulmonary vasoconstriction, pulmonary vascular disease