Blastulation
Blastulation (pronounced: blas-tu-la-tion) is a stage in the embryonic development of animals. It follows the fertilization stage and precedes the gastrulation stage.
Etymology
The term "blastulation" is derived from the Greek word "blastos" meaning sprout and the Latin suffix "-ation" meaning action or process.
Definition
Blastulation is the process by which a fertilized egg, or zygote, undergoes a series of rapid cell divisions to form a hollow sphere of cells known as a blastula. This process is a part of the early stages of embryonic development in animals.
Process
The process of blastulation begins with the fertilization of an egg by a sperm cell. The fertilized egg, now known as a zygote, then begins to divide rapidly in a process known as cleavage. This results in a solid ball of cells known as a morula.
The cells of the morula then rearrange themselves to form a hollow sphere of cells, the blastula. This process is known as blastulation. The blastula is characterized by a fluid-filled cavity known as the blastocoel.
Significance
Blastulation is a critical step in embryonic development as it sets the stage for the formation of the three primary germ layers (the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm) during the subsequent process of gastrulation. These germ layers give rise to all the tissues and organs of the adult organism.
Related Terms
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