Embryology: An Overview

1. Embryology is the study of human development in the womb and the changes that occur during the prenatal period. 2. At fertilization, the zygote is formed from the union of a sperm and an egg cell, and this single cell rapidly divides into many cells and begins to form the body of the embryo. 3. During the first 8 weeks of development, a complex series of processes take place including gastrulation, organogenesis, and differentiation. 4. At the end of the 8th week, the embryo is now known as a fetus and continues to develop for the remaining weeks of pregnancy. 5. By the time of birth, the fetus has become a newborn infant, capable of surviving outside the womb. 6. Embryology is a fascinating subject that helps us understand the amazing process of human development.