embriológia

Embriologia is the branch of biology that studies the development of an embryo from fertilization to birth or hatching. It explores the intricate processes of growth, differentiation, and morphogenesis that transform a single cell into a complex organism. Key stages in embryonic development include fertilization, where male and female gametes fuse to form a zygote, followed by cleavage, a series of rapid cell divisions. Gastrulation then establishes the three primary germ layers – ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm – which will give rise to all the tissues and organs of the body. Organogenesis is the subsequent formation of these organs from the germ layers.

Comparative embryology examines the similarities and differences in embryonic development across different species, providing insights into evolutionary relationships. Teratology, a sub-discipline of embryology, focuses on the study of birth defects and the environmental or genetic factors that can cause developmental abnormalities. Understanding embryonic development is crucial for fields such as medicine, veterinary science, and evolutionary biology, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of developmental disorders, and in unraveling the history of life on Earth.