Navigation is easy:
- The top menu bar lists main topics. Hovering over a main topic brings a menu of subtopics. (Try it!)
- You can also use buttons at the bottom of each page to navigate to main topics (purple) and subtopics (green) in each section.
- A submenu bar is provided for easier navigation of information blocks on the page.
- At the end of each main topic, there is a link to a 'Formative Assessment' to measure your progress in mastery of the content.
- The "Home" button (red) returns you to this page.
The site includes many interactive components such as roll over images, animated gif images, mini slide shows, video animations, drop down text boxes, etc. Don't be shy about clicking on things.
If you are new to the study of Embryology, it is suggested that you begin with Gametogenesis and proceed with the two subtopics; Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis.
Once completed, take the Formative Assessment to determine if additional study is needed.
Complete each of the remaining sections in the order presented on the top menu bar before exploring Systems Development.
If you have previous experience with a course in Embryology and want to use this resource for review, select the topic of your choice and navigate there.
The image to the right is a photograph of a wax model showing the external features of a 5-week old embryo. The model itself is very old, probably dating to the late 1800's.
Roll over the image with your cursor.
A row of somites on the posterior surface marks the future location of the vertebral column. The pharyngeal arches, that contribute to the development of the head and neck, are indicated by Roman numerals. The developing eye (optic vesicle) and ear (otocyst) are also visible as are the upper and lower limb buds.
The developing heart produces a cardiac bulge on the body surface in the region of the thorax and the liver produces a liver bulge in the developing abdomen. The umbilical cord connects the embryo to its life support, the placenta (not shown).
