Embryology at a Glance

Highly Commended in Obstetrics and gynaecology in the 2017 BMA Medical Book Awards

Embryology at a Glance is a highly illustrated and innovative introduction to key embryological concepts, with concise, memorable descriptions of major embryological developments. This new edition covers the basic principles of human development, from mitosis and meiosis, before exploring the primary formation of each body system, including the development of the musculoskeletal, circulatory, digestive, reproductive, and nervous systems during the foetal and neonatal periods. 

Key features include:

• New chapters on cell signalling genes, stem cells, and antenatal screening for common congenital and genetic defects
• Full colour photographs and illustrations
• Links to clinical practice highlighted throughout
• Timelines of each developmental stage
• MCQs and EMQs for revision and review
• A companion website at www.ataglanceseries.com/embryology featuring 15 brand new animations, and podcasts to help clearly explain the processes that occur during development. An additional instructor resource contains an image bank of all the figures from the book to aid teaching this fascinating area

Embryology at a Glance provides the perfect alternative to the overwhelming detail seen in conventional embryology texts. It provides just the right level of detail on embryology and congenital abnormalities for all medical students and health professionals to develop a thorough understanding of human development and its implications for clinical practice.

Preface vii

Acknowledgements viii

List of abbreviations ix

Timeline x

About the companion website xi

Part 1 Early development 1

1 Embryology in medicine 2

2 Language of embryology 4

3 Introduction to development 6

4 Cell signalling genes 8

5 Embryonic and foetal periods 10

6 Mitosis 12

7 Meiosis 14

8 Spermatogenesis 16

9 Oogenesis 18

10 Fertilisation 20

11 From zygote to blastocyst 22

12 Implantation 24

13 Placenta 26

14 Gastrulation 28

15 Germ layers 30

16 Stem cells 32

17 Neurulation 34

18 Neural crest cells 36

19 Body cavities (embryonic) 38

20 Folding of the embryo 40

21 Segmentation 42

22 Somites 44

Part 2 Systems development 47

23 Skeletal system (ossification) 48

24 Skeletal system 50

25 Muscular system 52

26 Musculoskeletal system: limbs 54

27 Circulatory system: heart tube 56

28 Circulatory system: heart chambers 58

29 Circulatory system: blood vessels 60

30 Circulatory system: embryonic veins 62

31 Circulation system: changes at birth 64

32 Respiratory system 66

33 Digestive system: gastrointestinal tract 68

34 Digestive system: associated organs 70

35 Digestive system: congenital anomalies 72

36 Urinary system 74

37 Reproductive system: ducts and genitalia 76

38 Reproductive system: gonads 78

39 Endocrine system 80

40 Head and neck: arch I 82

41 Head and neck: arch II 84

42 Head and neck: arch III 86

43 Head and neck: arches IV–VI 88

44 Central nervous system 90

45 Peripheral nervous system 92

46 The ear 94

47 The eye 96

48 Antenatal screening 98

Self-assessment MCQs 100

Self-assessment MCQ answers 104

Self-assessment EMQs 105

Self-assessment EMQ answers 107

Glossary 108

Index 112

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.