CORUÑA, HILARY P.

GUNHURAN, ARWAH K.
SANTIAGO, LYSA JOY V.
LAPADA, MELJAN M.

15 SEPTEMBER 2022
NS EMBRYOLOGY – LEC

1. Define and Explain Embryology ( 2 different definitions; cite references for each)

Embryology as defined by Britannica Dictionary, is the term referred to studying the

formation and development of an embryo and a fetus.

Another definition for the term Embryology is defined by Biology Dictionary (2018); it is
the term that refers to the branch of biology that is concerned with the development of new
organisms.

Embryology is a branch of science that is related to the formation, growth, and development
of embryo. It deals with the prenatal stage of development beginning from formation of
gametes, fertilization, formation of zygote, development of embryo and fetus to the birth of
a new individual. Additionally, one of the evidences for evolution is embryology. Vertebrate
embryos have a great deal of resemblance in their early development, although this
similarity rapidly declines, according to comparative studies. (Admin, 2022)

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. Additionally, an embryo is the early form of a living thing after fertilization has
occurred during the development process but before birth. The suffix "ology" means the
study of something. Therefore, embryology means the study of early forms of life before
birth. (ScienceDirect, n.d.)

2. Identify Important Personalities and their contributions to the development of

Embryology (cite at least 3 persona)

Karl Ernst von Baer – an Estonian professor studying embryos and development when he
made discovery that laid foundation for modern comparative embryology. His work was
used as supporting evidence for Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. Embryologic
discovery of the mammalian egg.

Hippocrates – author of the first written record of embryological research. He wrote about
obstetrics and gynecology.
Dame Anne Mclaren – an English geneticist who studied on how single cells in an embryo
develop into specialized tissues and organs. Used a clever genetic trick based on “chimeras”
which are organisms of mosaics of cells carrying different DNA sets, called genotypes;
Fundamental Advances in Mammalian Genetics and Embryology (Reproductive Biology).

Thomas Hunt Morgan – an American biologist famous for his experimental research with
the fruit fly (drosophila)’ established the chromosome theory of heredity. Showed that genes
are linked in a series of chromosomes and responsible for identification or hereditary traits.

Edouard van Beneden – a Belgian embryologist and cytologist best known for his
discoveries concerning in fertilization and chromosome numbers in sex and body cells.

3. Define Ontogenetic development. (2 different definitions; cite references for each)

Ontogenetic Development (Lambert & Johnson, n.d.) is defined as the development that
occurs as a function of experience rather than as a function of the genetic make-up of an
individual. It was also conceptualized as the portion of physical, cognitive, emotional, and
social development that can be attributed to the experiences within the environment and the
individuals within it.

Ontogenetic Development as termed by Oxford Languages can also be simplified by using

the term Ontogeny or Ontogenesis. The term refers to the development of an individual
organism or anatomical, or behavioral feature from the earliest stage to maturity.

According to Vocabulary Dictionary Website, the term “Ontogenesis” in biology refers to

the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of
events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level.

Ontogenetic Development is the process of individual development from a single cell, an

egg cell or a zygote to an adult organism. (ScienceDirect, n.d.)

Ontogenetic Development begins with the changes in the egg at the time of fertilization
and includes developmental events to the time of birth or hatching and afterward—growth,
remolding of body shape, and development of secondary sexual characteristics. (Britannica,
n.d.)

4. Differentiate the Phases of Ontogenetic Development.

Gametogenesis – formation and maturation of sperm (spermatogenesis) and egg

(oogenesis) cells.
Fertilization - fusion or sperm and egg cell to produce diploid (2n) zygote. It is the process
of fetal development; it is where the sperm fertilizes an egg cell or female mature gametes
and when they fuse together, it kickstarts an embryonic development which fuse egg and
sperm cell into a zygote.

Cleavage - after successful fertilization, zygote now will undergo mitosis cell division. The
zygote becomes a collection of identical cells which is morula and contains cells called
blastomeres. In this process, it prepares the zygote to become an embryo.

Blastulation – the embryo will continue to divide into a hollow sphere of cells called
“blastula”

Gastrulation – the single layered blastulas will expand and reorganizes into multiple layers
which is called “gastrula”; it is the migration and displacement od single layer of surface cells,
still mitotically active to form 3 distinct layers (primary germ layers; ectoderm, mesoderm,
endoderm)

Organogenesis – masses of cells in the primary germ layers will split into smaller group of
cells and each will develop into a specific organ or body part.

Growth and Differentiation – growth of organ rudiments and acquiring structure and
physiochemical properties that will allow then to function as adult body structures. It is the
process of organism’s body will undergo structural and physical changes after birth or
hatching to become suitable for its adult environment (metamorphosis).

Adulthood – the stage when physical and intellectual maturity have been achieved.

REFERENCES:

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "embryology". Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 Feb.

2019, https://www.britannica.com/science/embryology. Accessed 15 September 2022.

Biologydictionary.net Editors. "Embryology." Biology Dictionary, Biologydictionary.net, 23

Jan. 2018, https://biologydictionary.net/embryology/

Lambert, M.C., Johnson, L.E. (2011). Ontogenetic Development. In: Goldstein, S., Naglieri, J.A.
(eds) Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development. Springer, Boston, MA.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9_2018
Vovabulary.com (n.d.) “ontogenesis” Vocabulary Dictionary, Retrieved from:
https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/ontogenesis

Douglas, C. (2015). Embryology. Slide Player Video. Retrieved from:

https://slideplayer.com/slide/4428486/
Admin. (2022, August 3). Embryology - embryogenesis, human development and stages of
pregnancy. BYJUS. Retrieved September 15, 2022, from
https://byjus.com/biology/embryology/

Embryology. Embryology - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). Retrieved September

15, 2022, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/embryology

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "ontogeny". Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Nov.

2010, https://www.britannica.com/science/ontogeny-biology. Accessed 15 September
2022.