EMBRYOLOGY: THE STUDY OF DEVELOPMENTAL ANATOMY

Introduction
Development can be thought of as a progressive change of state in terms of both
size and complexity, leading to an increase in potency, an improvement in the
capabilities or advancement in function.
The most stunning example of development seen in nature is that of a baby
forming from a single cell in just 9 months time, a developmental process
involving an amazing integration of complex phenomena. To simplify, the whole
process of embryogenesis which transforms a single eukaryotic zygote into a full
grown baby involves the orchestration of three principle events:

An increase in the number of cells

Differentiation of certain groups of cells
Guided migration of cells

And there are molecular, cellular and structural factors which control this guided
construction of body architecture. Embryology involves the study of this
developmental anatomy.

Clinical relevance: why should clinicians bog there head

into this?
A better understanding of the developmental process lets us develop new
techniques for prenatal diagnoses and treatments and for the prevention of
birth defects, the leading cause of infant mortality. Improvements in prenatal
and reproductive health care are significant not only for their contributions to
improved birth outcomes but also for their long-term effects, postnatally.
In fact, our cognitive capacity, our behavioural characteristics, our potential to
develop certain adult diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease are all
affected by our prenatal experiences which include molecular and cellular factors
as well as factors such as maternal smoking, nutrition, stress, diabetes, etc.
Thus, our prenatal development produces many ramifications affecting our
health for both the short and long term, postnatally, making the study of
embryology and fetal development an important topic for all health care
professionals.

Gametogenesis
Spermatogenesis: making of the sperm