OSTEMBRYON Meaning and
Definition
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Ostembryon is a term used in biology to describe a specific stage in an organism's development. Derived from the Greek words "osteon" meaning bone and "embryon" meaning embryo, ostembryon refers to the stage of development in which the embryo has begun to form bones or a skeletal system.
This term is used predominantly in vertebrate biology, as it signifies the point in an embryo's development where ossification, or the hardening of cartilage into bone, begins. During the ostembryon stage, the embryo's skeleton starts to transform from a soft, pliable structure into a more solid and rigid framework. This process is essential for the development of a fully functioning skeletal system necessary for bodily support, movement, and protection of vital organs.
The ostembryon stage varies among different vertebrate species. For example, in humans, it occurs around the 7th week of gestation, when the initial formation of bones and joints can be observed through medical imaging techniques. In other organisms, such as birds and reptiles, ostembryon may occur earlier or later in the developmental timeline.
Understanding the ostembryon stage is vital in developmental biology and evolutionary studies. It provides insights into the evolutionary history of vertebrates, as well as the progressive development of bone structures and their functions.
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A hardened and calcified fetus, lithopedium.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for OSTEMBRYON
- istembryon
- kstembryon
- lstembryon
- pstembryon
- 0stembryon
- 9stembryon
- oatembryon
- oztembryon
- oxtembryon
- odtembryon
- oetembryon
- owtembryon
- osrembryon
- osfembryon
- osgembryon
- osyembryon
- os6embryon
- os5embryon
- ostwmbryon
- ostsmbryon
Etymology of OSTEMBRYON
The word "ostembryon" is derived from the combination of two roots: "osteo" and "embryon".
1. "Osteo" comes from the Greek word "osteon", meaning "bone". It is often used in medical and scientific terms related to bones or bone-like structures.
2. "Embryon" is also from Greek, derived from "embryos", meaning "unborn or unborn offspring". It refers to the early developmental stage of an organism before it becomes a fetus or a fully formed individual.
Therefore, when combined, "ostembryon" indicates something related to bone and embryonic development. However, it should be noted that "ostembryon" is not a commonly used word in modern English, and its usage may be limited to specific scientific or medical contexts.
