Embryology

1. The Basics of Embryology

• Understand the stages of development of the human embryo
• Understand the progression through weeks and how each of the germ layers develops during this time
• Be aware of the germ layers and how these correspond to full-term organs and their development

2. Development of the Limbs and Body Wall

• Follow limb-bud signalling, digit separation, rotation and body-wall folding to predict adult anatomy and developmental defects.

3. Teratology and Congenital Malformations

• Use timing, mechanism and critical periods to distinguish malformation, deformation and disruption and interpret prenatal detection.

4. Development of the Gastrointestinal Tract

• Be aware of the structure of the gastrointestinal tract
• Understand the foregut, midgut, hindgut classifications and their boundaries
• Understand the basic anatomy of the gut, including the mesenteries and omenta
• Understand the concept of peritoneal and retroperitoneal
• Understand the embryological development of the gut and how it relates to its function

5. Development of the Reproductive Systems

• Understand the progression of development of the reprductive tracts and gonads
• Understand the hormonal control of these developmental mechanisms
• Be aware of the gubernaculum, its function and descent and the potential complications related to this
• Be aware of potential issues with the development of the genitalia and how these present in the newborn or adult

• Development of the Kidneys Pronephros Mesonephros Metanephros
• Pronephros
• Mesonephros
• Metanephros

7. Development of the Respiratory System

• Be aware of a basic outline of the embryological development of the respiratory system and how this can lead to birth and further developmental defects
• Understand the basic neonatal complications of embryological development

8. Development of the Head and Neck

• Understand the individual components of the head and neck and how they evolve embyrologically and chronologically
• Understand the nervous, muscular, cartilaginous and arterial developments of the pharyngeal arches
• Understand why certain birth deformities e.g. cleft lip and palate may develop from an embryological point of view
• Understand the development of the thyroid gland, tongue and pituitary gland and how knowing this information can aid in clinically distinguishing neck lumps

• Neural Tube Formation
• Neural Tube Defects Anecephaly Spina Bifida Rachischisis
• Anecephaly
• Spina Bifida

10. Embryology of the Cardiovascular System (CVS)

• Understand how the cardiovascular system develops in utero