Extraembryonic Membranes

Extraembryonic Membranes are a set of membranes that surround the embryo during development and play an important role in the formation of the placenta and umbilical cord. Each of these shells has its own unique functions and structure.

The first of the membranes is the amnion. The amnion is a thin, clear sac that fills with amniotic fluid and surrounds the embryo. Amniotic fluid protects the embryo from shock and helps it develop by giving it the necessary space to move. In addition, the amnion plays a role in maintaining a constant temperature around the embryo, as well as maintaining humidity levels.

The chorion is the second membrane that surrounds the embryo. The chorion provides communication between the embryo and the mother through the placenta. The chorion also secretes human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone that is used to diagnose pregnancy.

The allantois is a small sac that begins to form early in the development of the embryo. The allantois plays a key role in the formation of the umbilical cord and placenta, providing a connection between the embryo and the placenta.

Finally, the yolk sac is the membrane that contains the nutrients necessary for the development of the embryo. In humans, the yolk sac disappears towards the end of pregnancy, as the placenta completely takes over the function of feeding the embryo.

As the embryo develops, these membranes begin to serve as an increasingly integrated system, providing nutrition, protection and communication between the embryo and mother. By the end of pregnancy, the amnion and chorion merge into one membrane, forming amniotic fluid, and the placenta and umbilical cord provide the embryo with everything necessary for its development.

Thus, extraembryonic membranes play an important role in the development of the embryo, providing it with nutrition, protection and communication with the mother. Each of these membranes has its own unique functions, which are integrated into a more complex system as the embryo develops.



Extraembryonic membranese (Extraembryonic Membranes) are membranes that surround the embryo during its development. They participate in the formation of the placenta and umbilical cord, and also provide protection and nutrition to the embryo.

The extraembryonic membranes include:

  1. The amnion is the outer membrane that covers the embryo. It consists of amniotic fluid, which protects the embryo from external influences.
  2. The chorion is the inner membrane that is formed from the trophoblast that surrounds the embryo in the early stages of development. The chorion is involved in the formation of the placenta, which connects the embryo with the maternal body.
  3. The allantois is the inner membrane that develops from the yolk sac. The allantois is involved in the formation of the umbilical cord and provides nutrition to the embryo through the placenta.
  4. The yolk sac is an internal organ that is formed from the yolk bladder. The yolk sac provides nutrition to the embryo in the early stages of its development.

In humans, the yolk sac is very small, and by the end of pregnancy the amnion and chorion merge into one membrane. In addition, the yolk sac completely disappears in the later stages of pregnancy.



Extraembryonic Membranes: Meaning and role in embryo development

In the process of embryo development in mammals, including humans, the so-called extraembryonic membranes play an important role. These membranes surround the embryo and serve a number of important functions, including forming the placenta and umbilical cord, as well as providing nutrition, protection, and removal of waste from the developing embryo.

There are four main types of extraembryonic membranes: amnion, chorion, allantois and yolk sac. Each of these membranes performs its specific function in supporting the development of the embryo.

The amnion is the inner membrane surrounding the embryo. It is filled with amniotic fluid, which serves as a shock absorber and protection for the embryo from external influences. Amniotic fluid also provides a suitable environment for the embryo to move freely and develop muscles and bones.

The chorion is the outer membrane that surrounds the amnion and the embryo. The chorion plays a critical role in the formation of the placenta, which provides nutrition and oxygen to the embryo and removes waste and carbon dioxide. At the beginning of pregnancy, the amnion and chorion exist separately, but by the end of pregnancy they usually merge into one membrane.

The allantois is a sac that develops from the back of the embryo and serves to collect metabolic waste from the developing embryo. In humans, the allantois is very small and quickly disappears during development.

The yolk sac is the initial source of nutrition for the embryo. It contains nutrients that are transferred to the embryo through the umbilical cord. However, in humans, the yolk sac completely disappears towards the end of pregnancy as the placenta becomes the main source of nutrition for the embryo.

Extraembryonic membranes are an important component of embryonic development in mammals, providing not only protection and nutrition, but also participating in the formation of the placenta and umbilical cord. Understanding the role of each of these membranes contributes to the development of the science of embryo development and may have practical implications for obstetrics and gynecology.