FOM: week 6 Flashcards
What is a morula?
A morula is an early embryo that has approximately 16 spherical cells (blastomeres) and divides into inner and outer cells
Where do the first few cell divisions of the embryo occur?
The first cell divisions occur in the oviduct as the embryo travels to the uterus (usually takes 6-7 days for the zygote to travel to uterus)
What is the significance of the inner and outer cells of the morula?
After compaction, the morula divides into two layers of cells: inner gives rise to embryo, and outer gives rise to extraembryonic tissues (including the placenta)
What is compaction?
Compaction occurs when the blastomeres within the morula flatten into a tight ball and become polarized. Fluid fills the space where the non-condensed blastomeres used to be. The embryo is now called a blastocyst.
When and where does implanation occur?
Implanation involves the attachment and embedding of a zygote into the uterine lining. It usually occurs roughly 6-7 days after fertilization and is initiated by hatching. Implantation typically occurs in the posterior wall of the uterine cavity.
What is ectopic pregnancy?
Ectopic pregnancy is the implantation of an embryo in an atypical location.
What are two common sites of ectopic pregnancy?
- ampulla of oviduct 2. close to cervix – results in placenta previa which causes hemorrhaging and threatens the survival of the mother and fetus.
What is hatching and what does it do to the zona pellucida?
Hatching occurs about 6-7 days after fertilization and involves the degradation of the zona pellucida by hydrolytic enzymes released from the trophoblast cells of the embryo. Degrading the zona allows the syncytiotrophoblast cells to penetrate the uterine lining and implant themselves.
How does the bilaminar disc form?
The bilaminar disc forms from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst. Fluid appears between the inner cells and separates them from the trophoblast into two regions: epiblast and hypoblast.
What are epiblasts and what do they eventually become?
Epiblasts are tall columnar epithelia that hold the amniotic fluid. These eventually give rise to the embryo proper and some extraembryonic structures.
What are hypoblasts and what do they eventually become?
Hypoblasts are cuboidal epithelia that become the yolk sac. The yolk sac eventually gives rise to extraembryonic structures like the connecting stalk which becomes the umbilical cord.
What is gastrulation and when does it occur?
Gastrulation is termed as the migration of epiblast cells to form three distinct layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. This process occurs in the third week of development.
What is the primitive streak?
The primitive streak is a result of epiblast cells that are oriented rostral to caudal. Epiblast cells migrate ventrally through the primitive streak and form embryonic endoderm (most ventral cells) and mesoderm (cells that reside between epiblast and hypoblast cells).
What is the primitive node and what structure does it form?
The primitive node forms at the rostral end of the primitive streak and has epiblast cells that descend through it to form a thick cord of cells called the notochord.
What are the two main functions of the notochord?
- Lends mechanical support to embryo 2. serves as a powerful inductive force for subsequent cell differentiation (organizing center)
What major body structures result from ectoderm?
Epidermis, hair, nails, cutaneous and mammary glands; central and peripheral nervous system
What major body structures result from mesoderm?
Paraxial: form somites that become muscles of head, trunk, limbs, axial skeleton, dermis, connective tissue; Intermediate: Urogenital system, including gonads; Lateral: Serous membranes of pleura, pericardium, and peritoneum, connective tissue and muscle of viscera, heart, blood cells
What major body structures result from endoderm?
Epithelium of lung, bladder and gastrointestinal tract; glands associated with G.I. tract, including liver and pancreas
What is involved in the transformation of trophoblast cells?
At the time of attachment, the some trophoblast cells fuse and become syncytiotrophoblast cells while the cells that don’t fuse are termed cytotrophoblasts.
What are some functions of the syncytiotrphoblasts?
Syncytiotrophoblasts are involved in perforating uterine vasculature and glands to eventually form the placenta. They also secrete human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) which signals to the ovaries to keep producing estrogen and progesterone which maintains the uterine lining for pregnancy. Syncytiotrophoblasts are also involved in making decidual cells that form a distinct layer around the fetus to protect it from the immune system of the mother.
Where does chorion fluid come from?
Chorion fluid is produced from the trophoblast cells and is the fluid that surround the amnion and yolk sacs.
How does the neural plate form and from what cells does it arise from?
The neural plate is formed from the epiblast cells directly above the notochord. The notochord secretes the hormone sonic hedgehog to stimulate epiblast cell growth to form the thickened neural plate.
How does the neural tube form?
The neural plate begins to buckle and pucker into neural folds. These folds eventually fuse and form the neural tube.
What are neural crest cells and what do they become eventually?
Neural crest cells are the cells at the top of the neural folds and become detached from the lateral border of the folds and migrate within the embryo. The neural crest cells eventually become spinal and autonomic ganglia, Schwann cells, meninges, adrenal medulla, and melanocytes.