Second week of development

Changes in the Trophoblast–

Differentiates into-

Cytotrophoblast–inner layer

Syncytiotrophoblast– outer layer

Establishment of utero-placental circulation–

Formation of primary stem villi and intervillous spaces

These changes occur between 9th and 13th day after

fertilization
Changes in the Embryoblast–

It divides into two layers–

Hypoblast or primary endoderm

Epiblast or primary ectoderm

Formation of bilaminar germ disc

Formation of primary yolk sac

A layer of flattened cells arising from the hypoblast

line the inner side of blastocyst cavity
Heuser’s membrane

Now blastic cavity lined all sides by cells of

endodermal origin–primary yolk sac.
Formation of primary extra-embryonic mesoderm and
extra-embryonic coelom–

Delamination of primary yolk sac and the amniotic

cavity from the trophoblast except the caudal end of the
germ disc– formation of connecting stalk.

Conversion of primary yolk sac into secondary yolk

sac—size is reduced and lined by new layer of cell.

The wall of yolk sac is the first site of formation of

blood.

It forms the endodermal lining of gastrointestinal tract

Formation of prechordal plate–

At one circular areanear the margin of the disc

cubical cells of the hypoblast become columnar.

This area is called prechordal plate.

It establishes cephalo-caudal axis of the embryo.