Lecture 1: Embryology I Flashcards
Mucosa
General term for the innermost layer of an organ/tissue
Endometrium
Uterine mucosa layer
Decidua
Uterine mucosa layer during pregnancy; changes from endometrium due to implantation (basalis, capsularis, parietalis)
Stratum functionalis (functional layer)
Apical endometrial sublayer that is built up and shed each menstrual cycle. Composed of a simple columnar epithelium and lamina propria.
Stratum basalis (basal layer)
Basal sublayer of endometrium that is not shed during menstruation. Contains stem cells to regenerate the functional layer and comprised of loose connective tissue.
Lamina propria
Loose, spongy connective tissue that lies underneath the epithelium in many mucosae
Tissue categories
Epithelia, connective, muscle, neurons
Epithelia tissue
Tissue sheets connected with junctional proteins that have apical and basal polarity. The apical side is often against a space/compartment, the basal side is often against connective tissue or another basal surface
Connective tissue
Tissue that supports, protects, and gives structure to other tissues/organs. Always comprised of fluid, fiber, and protein components with varying relative amounts (e.g. blood vs. ligaments)
Muscle tissue
Cells whose primary function is to exert force on surrounding tissues
Neurons
Electrically active cells that transmit information via electrical impulses or short-range chemical signals
Ovaries
Paired structure, site of oogenesis
Ovarian follicle
Oocytes develop within growing follicles and are then released during ovulation
Ovulation
The cyclical release of oocytes, the corona radiata, and the zona pellucida to the abdominal cavity
Fallopian or uterine tubes
Structures that pick up the ovulated mass of cells and are the site of fertilization
Uterus
Normal implantation site of the blastocyst. Supports the development of the placenta and embryo.
Cervix
Proximal end of the uterus
Fertilization age
Starts counting at the time of fertilization
Menstrual (gestational) age
Starts counting at the last menstrual period (~2 weeks prior to fertilization). More clinically useful than fertilization age.
Ectopic pregnancy
A serious medical condition where the blastocyst implants outside the normal area in the uterus
Trophoblast
Cells that line the outside of the blastocyst and interact with the uterine epithelium for implantation. Develop into definitive placental structures
Syncytiotrophoblast
Trophoblast cells that fuse into a syncytium and maintain the blood-placental interface. Develop into the placental villi
Cytotrophoblast
Trophoblast cells that remain undifferentiated beneath the syncytiotrophoblasts and are a source of new cells during development
Ovum (egg)
A fully mature oocyte
Zygote
A novel diploid cell, formed by the fusion of 2 haploid gametes through meiosis. Features 2 pronuclei and polar bodies.
Morula
Cluster of cells generated through isovolumetric mitosis after fertilization but before the blastocyst stage. Named after the mulberry
Blastocyst
First clear cell fate distinction during development. Ball of cells with a cavity, the blastocoele, and inner mass. Trophoblasts line the cavity and embryoblasts form the inner cell mass.