CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION & GENERAL PRINCIPLES
1 Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Morphogenesis
• Cell proliferation: Cell cycle, differentiation, regulation
• Cell demise: Apoptosis
• Cytoskeleton/Extracellular Matrix/Cell-Matrix interactions
• Morphogenesis & Patterning
2 Comparative Gestation
• Distinctions of the Early Embryo, Embryonic and Fetal Periods of Gestation
• Species Variations Effecting Gestation Length: Companion, Domestic, Wildlife and Laboratory Animals
• Reproductive Cycles: Hormones, Estrous, Organs, Seasonal
• Fecundity: Survival Strategies, Conception Rates
DIFFERENTIATION OF GERM LAYERS
3. Gametogenesis
• Mitosis/Meiosis
• Oogenesis
• Spermatogenesis
• Veterinary Clinical Applications/Cases
4. Fertilization
• Acrosome Reaction
• Sperm-Zona Pellucida Interactions
• Gamete Fusion
• Blocks to Polyspermy
• Syngamy and Embryo Activation
• Veterinary Clinical Applications/Cases
5. Embryo Cleavage and Blastulation
• Polarity, Compaction and Cavitation
• Embryonic Disc, Primitive Streak and Formation of the Bilaminar Embryo
• Veterinary Clinical Applications/Cases
6. Gastrulation, Body Folding and Coelom Formation
• Notocord, Neural Tube and Segmentation
• Differentiation of Ectoderm, Mesoderm and Endoderm
• Body Folding, Coelom Formation and Lung Development
• Veterinary Clinical Applications/Cases
7. Development of the Peripheral Nervous System
• Spinal Cord and Motor/SensoryInnervation
• Somite Development
8. Comparative Placentation
• Extraembryonic Membranes: Amnion, Yolk Sac, Allantois, Chorion
• Placental Strategies: Choriovitelline, Chorioallantoic
• Species Variations
• Veterinary Clinical Applications/Cases
SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT
9. Development of the Limbs
• Limb Bud Formation
• Apical Ectodermal Ridge
• Development of the Appendicular Skeleton, Musculature, Vasculature and Innervation
• Differentiation of Distal Appendages: Digit Formation
• Veterinary Clinical Applications/Cases
10. Development of the Heart
• Primitive Heart Tube Formation
• Development of Heart Chambers and Valves
• Development of the Conduction System
• Veterinary Clinical Applications/Cases
11. Development of the Vascular System
• Formation of the Aortic Arches and the Arterial System
• Development of the Vitelline, Umbilical and Cardinal Venous System
• The Coronary Vasculature
• Circulatory changes at Parturition
• Veterinary Clinical Applications/Cases
12. Development of the Gastrointestinal System
• The Enteric Canal
• Stomach, Pancreas, Liver and Spleen
• Development of Peritoneum and Formation of Mesenteries
• Rotation and Fixation of the Midgut
• Differentiation of the Large Bowel
• Septation and Differentiation of the Cloaca
• Veterinary Clinical Applications/Cases
13. Development of the Urogenital System
• Pronephros Differentiation
• Development of the Mesonephric and Metanephric Kidneys
• Urogenital Ridge and Gonad Development
• Development of the Urogentital Duct Systems and External Genitalia
• Veterinary Clinical Applications/Cases
14. Development of the Head and Neck
• Development of the Skull and Vertebrae
• Differentiation of Pharyngeal Arch Structures and Pouch Derivatives
• Development of the Palate, Tongue and Pituitary
• Development of Facial Structures
• Veterinary Clinical Applications/Cases
15. Development of the Brain and Cranial Nerves
• Regional Differentiation and Functional Relationships
• Development of the Ventricular System
• Development and Function of the Cranial Nerves
• Veterinary Clinical Applications/Cases
16. Development of the Eyes and Ears
• Formation of the Ear
• Formation of the Eye
• Veterinary Clinical Applications/Cases
17. Development of the Integumentary System
• Differentiation of the Epidermis and Dermis
• Development of Epidermal Glands including Mammary Glands
• Formation of Hair and Teeth
• Veterinary Clinical Applications/Cases
CLINICAL AND APPLIED SYSTEMS
18. Teratology
• Genetic & Congenital
• Critical Periods & Teratogenic Agents
• Maternal/Fetal Interactions
• Specie-Specific Manifestations
19. Assisted Reproductive Technologies
• Artificial Insemination and Embryo/Gamete Transfer (ET,GIFT, ZIFT, etc)
• Cryopreservation of Germplasm
• In Vitro Maturation, Fertilization and Embryo Production
• Embryo Micromanipulation: Splitting, ICSI, Transgenics, Embryonic Stem Cells/ Chimeras, Cloning
20. Applied Embryology: Veterinary and Societal Issues
• The Role of the Veterinarian
• Contemporary Issues
Additional Reading - References
Glossary
Index