Embryosäuge

Embryosäuge refers to the embryonic stage of mammalian development during which the embryo receives nourishment directly from secretions produced by the uterine lining. This secretion is often termed uterine milk. In many mammalian species, the uterine lining undergoes significant changes to prepare for pregnancy and provide this sustenance.

The exact composition and method of delivery of this embryonic nourishment can vary. In some cases, the uterine glands actively secrete nutrient-rich fluids that bathe the developing embryo. In other instances, a more direct transfer of nutrients may occur through specialized structures. This initial period of nourishment is crucial for the embryo's survival and growth before the establishment of a fully functional placenta, which will later take over the role of providing nutrients and oxygen to the fetus.

The term "Embryosäuge" highlights the unique reliance of the early embryo on maternal secretions for its development. This phase precedes or overlaps with the formation of the placenta, a more complex organ responsible for sustained fetal nourishment and waste removal throughout much of the gestation period. Understanding Embryosäuge is fundamental to comprehending the early stages of mammalian reproductive biology.