Blastocyte is a specialized cell that forms during early embryonic development. The phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈblæstoʊˌsaɪt/ with stress on the second syllable. The initial consonant cluster 'bl' is followed by the open vowel 'a' and the consonant 's'. The second syllable consists of the sound 'oʊ', which is a diphthong, followed by the consonant 's', 'aɪ' represents the third syllable, and the final syllable is 't'. The spelling of this word reflects the origin of the prefix 'blast' which means to bud or sprout.
A blastocyte, also known as a blastocyst, is an early stage of embryonic development in mammals. It is an advanced embryonic structure derived from the zygote, which forms after fertilization of an egg by a sperm. The blastocyst is composed of two main types of cells: the inner cell mass (ICM) and the trophoblast.
The ICM is a cluster of tightly packed cells located within the blastocyst, which later gives rise to the developing fetus. These cells are pluripotent, meaning they have the capability to differentiate into almost any cell type in the body. The trophoblast, on the other hand, is the outer layer of the blastocyst responsible for implantation into the uterine wall and the subsequent formation of the placenta.
During development, the blastocyst undergoes a process called implantation, where it attaches to the uterine lining and begins to form a connection with the maternal blood supply. It is within this critical stage that the blastocyst undergoes further development and differentiation, ultimately leading to the formation of the three primary germ layers and the development of specific tissues and organs.
In summary, a blastocyst is an early-stage embryo in mammals consisting of an inner cell mass and an outer trophoblast layer. This structure plays a vital role in embryonic development as it implants into the uterus and gives rise to the developing fetus.
an undifferentiated embryonic cell
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "blastocyst" (also spelled "blastocyte") is derived from two Greek words: "blastos" meaning "germ" or "sprout", and "kystis" meaning "bladder" or "cyst". In embryology, the blastocyst refers to a stage of early embryonic development, typically around 4-5 days after fertilization. The term accurately reflects the appearance of the embryo at this stage, as it appears as a fluid-filled sphere with an inner clump of cells that will develop into the fetus and an outer layer of cells that will form the placenta.