Blastotomy (/blæsˈtɒtəmi/) is a medical term that refers to the surgical removal of a blastocyst from the uterus. The word blastocyst is derived from blasto-, which means germ or bud, and -cyst, which refers to a sac or cyst. The spelling of blastotomy is based on the Greek roots blast and tomos, which means "cutting." The IPA phonetic transcription of this word highlights the correct pronunciation of the consonants and vowels present in the word.
Blastotomy is a term used predominantly in the field of biology and embryology to define a specific process that occurs during the early stages of development in certain organisms. It refers to the division or splitting of a blastula, which is an early stage of embryonic development characterized by a hollow ball of cells.
During blastotomy, the blastula undergoes cleavage or cell division, resulting in the formation of two or more separate structures. This process is vital for the organization and differentiation of cells, allowing for the development of various tissues and organs in the organism.
Blastotomy plays a crucial role in the formation of many multicellular organisms, particularly in the realms of embryogenesis and regeneration. It leads to the creation of distinct cell populations that will eventually give rise to different parts of the body.
The term blastotomy is derived from "blastula," which originates from the Greek word "blastos" meaning "sprout" or "germ." It reflects the fundamental nature of this process in the growth and development of living organisms.
In scientific research and laboratory settings, blastotomy is a concept often studied and manipulated to gain a deeper understanding of organismal development, as well as to explore potential therapeutic applications in regenerative medicine.
The experimental destruction of one or more blastomeres.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "blastotomy" is derived from two Greek roots: "blastos" meaning "sprout" or "embryo" and "tomē" meaning "a cutting". Therefore, etymologically, "blastotomy" refers to the cutting or incision of an embryo.