Introduction to Embryology

Dr. Hamza Mohamed Sharif, PhD

Anatomy Department
Learning Objectives
By the end of a lecture, students will be able to
• Define Embryology.
• Define the developmental periods.
• Define the significance of embryology.
• Understand the different embryological terminology.
 What is Embryology?

• Embryology is the study of embryo development. This includes the

developmental process of a single-cell embryo to a baby. Embryology usually
refers to the prenatal development of a fetus.
• Explain its importance in understanding human development and clinical
applications, such as diagnosing and managing birth defects.
• Embryology provides insights into the formation of complex anatomical
structures and the understanding of birth defects and abnormalities.
Terminology
Oocyte (ovum):
The female sex cell (gamete) that develops in ovaries

Sperm:
The male sex cell (gamete) that develops in testes

Gamete:
The germ cell of male or female that have the half number of chromosomes
(Haploid, 23)

Fertilization (Conception):
The union of male gamete with female gamete to form a zygote (diploid, 46)
• Neonatal period: (first 4 weeks)

• Infancy: (first year)

• Childhood :(2 years to puberty)

• Prenatal period (before birth) and postnatal periods (after birth) .

• Trimester is a period of 3 months

• Gametogenesis (gamete formation) is the process of formation and development of specialized

generative cells, gametes (oocytes/sperms).

• Gastrulation: The formation of three primary germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and
endoderm) from the inner cell mass.
 Developmental periods :
• Developmental periods are divided
into :
1- Prenatal development :
It is the main developmental changes
occurring before birth, including :
• The embryonic period : starts from the
fertilization to the end of 8th week.
• The fetal period: begins from the 9th week
untill birth.
2- postnatal development :
The changes occurring after birth, like teeth
and breast.
• Prenatal development is more rapid than
postnatal development and results in more
striking changes.
Stages of Embryonic Development
Fertilization: Fetal Period:
Embryonic Period: Organogenesis:
Fertilization marks Organogenesis occurs The fetal period begins
The embryonic period
during the embryonic from the 9th week of
the beginning of begins after
development and
human fertilization and lasts period and is a crucial
stage of human extends until birth.
development. It for approximately
development. It During this stage, the
occurs when a eight weeks. During
involves the formation organs and systems that
this stage, the zygote
sperm cell undergoes rapid cell and differentiation of formed during
penetrates and fuses the three primary germ organogenesis continue
divisions through a
with an egg cell, layers: ectoderm, to grow and mature. The
process called
resulting in the mesoderm, and fetus undergoes
cleavage. The cells
endoderm. These germ significant growth in size
formation of a form a hollow
and refinement of its
zygote. This process structure known as a layers give rise to
various organs and structures. It also
typically takes place blastocyst, which then
tissues in the develops the ability to
in the fallopian tube. implants itself into the
developing embryo. move and respond to
uterine wall.
external stimuli.
Major events during embryonic period
• Gametogenesis.
• Fertilization.
• Implantation.
• Development of the Central Nervous System : begins at 3rd week.
• Development of Heart : begins at 3rd week.
• Embryonic Folding : 4th week

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 Critical Periods of Human Development
• This is the stage of development
of an embryo that is susceptible to
an agent, such as a drug or virus,
which can lead to congenital
abnormalities.
• Embryological Development is
most easily disrupted when the
tissues and organs are forming
during the embryonic period.

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 Gametogenesis
• It is the production of mature
gametes (sperm and ova) in the
gonads (testes in males and
ovaries in females).
• It is divided into:
1- Spermatogenesis.
2- Oogenesis.

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Fertilization
• Definition:
• It is the process during which
a mature male gamete
(sperm) unites with a mature
female gamete (oocyte) to
form a single cell (ZYGOTE).
• Site : It occurs in the uterine
tube.
• Results of fertilization:
• The diploid number of
chromosomes is restored.
• The sex of the embryo is
determined.
• Initiates cleavage (cell
division) of the zygote.
Cleavage: Rapid cell divisions of the zygote resulting in the formation of a solid
ball of cells called a morula.
Blastocyst Formation: The transformation of the morula into a hollow structure
called a blastocyst, consisting of the trophoblast and inner cell mass.

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Implantation:
Attachment of the blastocyst to endometrial wall of the uterus
starts after fertilization (end of 1st week)
Descriptive Terms of the embryo :
• Related to the Directions:
• Cranial; the top of the embryo or the head.
• Cephalic; superior or the head.
• Caudal; inferior or the tail end.
• Dorsal; back of the embryo.
• Ventral; anterior or the belly side.
• Medial; near to the midline.
• Lateral; flank side.
The fetal period begins from the 9th week of
development and extends until birth.

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placenta Fetus

Umbilical cord

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 Significance of Embryology
Importance of Embryology :
• The study of prenatal stages of development, especially those
occurring during the embryonic period is to understand the
normal body structure and the causes of any congenital
anomalies happen.
• So,It is concerned with various genetic and /or environmental
factors that disturb the normal development producing birth
defects.

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Future Directions in Embryology
• Current advancements in embryology include the use of stem cells for
regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
• Stem cell research holds promise for treating various diseases and
injuries.
• Ethical considerations arise due to the use of human embryos

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