BLASTOCYST Meaning and
Definition
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A blastocyst refers to a stage of embryonic development in mammals, including humans. It is a spherical structure consisting of a hollow cavity, known as the blastocoel, surrounded by a single layer of cells called the trophoblast. The trophoblast is responsible for the subsequent formation of the placenta, which is vital for providing nutrients and oxygen to the developing embryo.
Within the blastocyst, a cluster of cells called the inner cell mass is present. This inner cell mass has the potential to differentiate into various specialized tissues and ultimately forms the embryo itself. The blastocyst stage marks an essential milestone in embryogenesis as it represents the point at which the embryo becomes ready for implantation into the uterine wall.
In human reproduction, a blastocyst is typically formed about five to six days after fertilization takes place. At this stage, it enters the uterus and begins the process of implantation. Blastocysts are formed through the rapid division and growth of a fertilized egg or zygote, gradually transforming into a complex structure consisting of specialized cells that will give rise to different parts of the developing organism.
This critical stage of embryonic development has significant clinical importance as it is commonly utilized in assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Blastocysts can be selected and transferred into the uterus, increasing the chances of successful implantation and subsequent pregnancy.
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Blastodermic vesicle, gastrocyst; the morula after its conversion into a cyst through the accumulation of fluid within the trophoblast.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BLASTOCYST
Etymology of BLASTOCYST
The word "blastocyst" comes from the Greek words "blastos" meaning "germ" or "bud" and "kystis" meaning "bladder" or "cyst". The term "blastocyst" was first coined by German anatomist Ernst Heinrich Philipp August Haeckel in 1870 to describe an early stage of embryonic development. The word is derived from the appearance of the structure, resembling a fluid-filled cyst or sphere formed by the budding cells of the blastula stage.
Similar spelling words for BLASTOCYST
- blasting,
- blastema,
- blast off,
- blastocoelic,
- blastoff,
- blastemal,
- blastoderm,
- blusters,
- blastocladia,
- blastomyces,
- blastodisc,
- blastocyte,
- blastodermic,
- blastoporic,
- blastocoel,
- blastomycosis,
- blasted,
- blastocele,
- blastoma,
- blastomere,
- blackston,
- blastocoele,
- blastular,
- blastomycete,
- blastemic,
- blaster,
- blasts,
- blastopore,
- blue story,
- blastomycotic,
- blastula,
- blastodiaceae,
- blastomeric,
- blastocytoma,
- blastogenetic,
- Blisters.
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