PREIMPLANTATION Meaning and
Definition
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Preimplantation refers to the stage in human development that occurs prior to the implantation of the fertilized egg into the wall of the uterus. This period encompasses key processes that are critical in early embryogenesis. Preimplantation takes place after fertilization of the egg by the sperm and before the formation of a blastocyst, which is the developing embryo at later stages.
During preimplantation, the fertilized egg undergoes a series of divisions called cleavage, resulting in the formation of a multicellular embryo. As these divisions occur, the number of cells increases while the overall size of each individual cell decreases. The cells in the developing embryo are referred to as blastomeres.
Another important event in the preimplantation stage is embryonic genome activation. Initially, the embryo depends on the nutrients and factors provided by the egg for development. However, during preimplantation, the embryonic genome starts to be activated, meaning it begins to control its own development by producing various proteins and factors necessary for growth and differentiation.
Preimplantation plays a crucial role in various assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). During IVF, the preimplantation embryo is often cultured in a laboratory setting for a few days before being transferred to the uterus. This allows for better selection of viable embryos and increases the chances of successful implantation and pregnancy.
Overall, preimplantation is a critical stage of human development where important processes, such as cleavage, embryo genome activation, and selection of viable embryos, occur before the implantation of the embryo into the uterine wall.
Common Misspellings for PREIMPLANTATION
Etymology of PREIMPLANTATION
The word "preimplantation" is derived from two components: "pre-" and "implantation".
- "Pre-" is a prefix of Latin origin, meaning "before" or "prior to".
- "Implantation" is derived from the Latin word "implantare", which means "to plant" or "to embed".
Therefore, "preimplantation" refers to the process or stage that occurs before implantation, particularly in the context of medical or reproductive terminology.
