| Embryology is the medical
specialty concerned with the study of the growth and development of the
embryo and fetus throughout pregnancy - from fertilization of the ovum
until birth.
The human embryonic period (first 8 weeks) is divided into 23 "Carnegie
Stages".
(These are named after the Institute that began
collecting and classifying embryos during the early 1900's.)
They are based on the external and/or
internal morphological development of the embryo, and are not directly
dependent
on either age
or size. Criteria beyond morphological features include age in days,
number of somites present, and embryonic length.
Embryonic development (0-8 weeks) is followed by fetal development (9-36
weeks, i.e. up to the time of delivery).
During the fetal development
stage there is extensive growth in size and mass, together with ongoing
differentiation of organ systems established in the embryonic
period.
There are many controversial ethical issues concerning aspects of embryology.
Some of these arise from the various wishes and religious opinions
about research using human embryos held by medical practitioners,
scientific researchers, politicians, persons seeking treatments for
medical conditions
suffered
by themselves
or
their loved ones and others.
These considerations together with the
scientific advances that result from such studies combine to keep embryology in
the news on a regular basis.
Associated Terms:
* _ A medical specialist
in the field of embryology is called an
embryologist.
* _ The adjective used
to refer to embryology is
"embryological", a term that is rarely used.
Links to other relevant areas on this website include:
* _ Glossary Section
for General
Medical Terms.
This part of the IvyRose Holistic Resources Glossary is included as a
study-aid for students following first-level courses in human biology,
medicine, nursing, natural or holistic therapies, and associated theoretical
courses - who are required recognise and understand medical terms such
as those of the disciplines within medicine.
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