Embryology: Introduction and General Principles

Embryology · Basic Sciences

How it begins

La embriología es la ciencia del origen: estudia los mecanismos moleculares, celulares y morfogenéticos que transforman una célula única —el cigoto— en un organismo de billones de células con identidad estructural y funcional. Comprender estos principios es comprender la base de las malformaciones congénitas y la biología del desarrollo humano.

What it covers

1. Definition, Branches and History of Embryology
2. · Main Branches of Embryology
3. · Brief History of Embryology
4. Gametogenesis: Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis
5. · Origin of Primordial Germ Cells (PGC)
6. · Meiosis: Fundamental Principles
7. · Spermatogenesis
8. · Oogenesis
9. Fertilization: Molecular Mechanisms and Results
10. · Fertilization Sequence
11. · Fertilization Results
12. Clivation, Compaction and Blastocyst Formation
13. · Stages of Cleavage
14. · Compaction and First Cell Differentiation
15. Blastocyst Implantation and Week 2 of Development
16. · Implementation Events
17. · Week 2: "The Week of Two"
18. Gastrulation: From Bilamine to Trilamine
19. · The Primitive Line
20. · Cell Movements in Gastrulation
21. · The Three Germinal Layers and Their Derivatives
22. · Hensen's Node and the Notochord
23. Neurulation: Formation of the Neural Tube and Neural Crest
24. · The Neural Crest: The Fourth Germinal Layer
25. Somitogenesis, Embryo Folding and Weeks 4–8
26. · Somitogenesis: The Segmenting Clock
27. · Folding of the Embryo
28. · The Embryonic Period (Weeks 4–8): Organogenesis
29. Extraembryonic Membranes
30. Placenta: Development, Function and Fetoplacental Circulation
31. · Development of Chorial Villi
32. · Remodeling of the Spiral Arteries
33. · Endocrine Functions of the Placenta
34. · Fetal Circulation: Key Differences from Postnatal Circulation
35. The Fetal Period: Growth, Maturation and Milestones
36. Molecular Regulation of Development: HOX Genes, Morphogens and Signaling
37. · HOX Genes: The Body Positional Code
38. · Key Signaling Routes in Development
39. Teratology: Teratogenic Agents and Critical Periods
40. · Wilson's Principles of Teratology (1959)
41. · Clinically Relevant Teratogens
42. Twin and Multiple Pregnancy: Zygosity, Chorionicity and Amnionicity
43. Prenatal Diagnosis: Invasive and Non-Invasive Methods
44. Congenital Malformations: Classification and Embryological Bases
45. · Fundamental Terminology
46. · Etiology of Congenital Malformations
47. Embryonic Stem Cells, iPSC and Regenerative Medicine
48. · Stem Cell Potency Hierarchy
49. · Organoids: In Vitro Development