The word "amphigastrula" is a mouthful to spell! This scientific term refers to a type of developing embryo for certain organisms. Its spelling can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Firstly, there's the "amphi-" prefix, which indicates "both" or "double." Next, we have the "gastr-" root, which means "stomach." Lastly, the "-ula" suffix indicates smallness or youth. Therefore, the correct IPA spelling for "amphigastrula" would be /æmfɪˈɡæstrələ/.
Amphigastrula is a term used in developmental biology to describe a specific stage in the embryonic development of certain animals, particularly those in the phylum Bryozoa. It refers to a larval stage characterized by a bilaterally symmetrical, sac-like body with a ciliated band or belt encircling it.
The name "amphigastrula" is derived from the Greek words "amphi," meaning "both" or "on both sides," and "gastrula," which refers to a developmental stage where the embryo begins to form distinct germ layers. This indicates that the amphigastrula stage is a transitional phase between early embryonic development and the formation of the gastrula.
During this stage, the amphigastrula typically exhibits active locomotion facilitated by the cilia on its surface. It uses these cilia to move through the water, feeding on microscopic organisms by sweeping water and small particles into its mouth.
Furthermore, the amphigastrula stage is of significant importance in the study of embryology and evolution. It provides insights into the mechanisms of symmetry breaking and axis formation during development and helps researchers understand the evolutionary relationships between different animal groups.
In summary, amphigastrula is a specific larval stage characterized by a bilaterally symmetrical body and a ciliated band in the phylum Bryozoa. It represents a transitional stage in embryonic development and is crucial for understanding developmental processes and evolutionary relationships.
The mammalian ovum in the late gastrula stage resulting from uneven segmentation of the vitellus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "amphigastrula" is a compound word derived from two ancient Greek roots:
1. "Amphi" (ἀμφί): It means "both" or "on both sides" in Greek.
2. "Gastra" (γαστήρ): It means "stomach" or "belly" in Greek.
Combining these two roots, "amphigastrula" roughly translates to "having a stomach on both sides" or "double-bellied" in reference to a particular stage in the embryological development of certain organisms.