The word "amphiblastula" is a scientific term used to describe a larval form of various marine animals. In terms of spelling, "amphiblastula" is pronounced as /æmfɪˈblæstjʊlə/. The word is made up of two parts: "amphi-" meaning "both" or "double" and "blastula" meaning a hollow sphere of cells that forms early in embryonic development. The spelling may seem complicated, but the IPA phonetic transcription can help understand the pronunciation and make the word easier to use in scientific settings.
Amphiblastula is a biological term referring to a stage in the development of certain marine invertebrates, particularly sponges. It describes a hollow, spherical or oval-shaped organism that is formed by the invagination and subsequent displacement of cells during embryonic development. This stage is characterized by the presence of two cell layers: an outer layer known as the ectoderm and an inner layer called the endoderm.
The ectoderm is comprised of cells that will eventually differentiate into the animal's outer covering and certain specialized structures. The endoderm, on the other hand, gives rise to the inner lining of the organism's central cavity and other internal organs. The space between these two cell layers is often filled with a gelatinous substance known as mesoglea.
Amphiblastula exhibits a high degree of symmetry and is typically motile, allowing it to move around its aquatic environment. During this stage, it undergoes key morphological changes and continues to develop into more complex stages, ultimately giving rise to the adult form. The subsequent stages depend on the specific species, as the development of amphiblastula can vary between different sponges.
The presence of amphiblastula in the life cycle of sponges is significant, as it represents a transitional stage between the initial embryo and the more specialized structures of the adult organism. It serves as a crucial step in sponge development, facilitating the differentiation of cells and tissues necessary for their survival and function.
A morula formed by unequal segmentation, as occurs in the human ovum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "amphiblastula" comes from the combination of two Greek words: "amphi" meaning "on both sides", and "blastula" which refers to an early-stage embryo characterized by a hollow ball of cells. "Amphi" indicates the bilateral symmetry of the organism, while "blastula" describes its developmental stage. Overall, "amphiblastula" denotes an early larval stage in certain marine invertebrates or sponges.