Slideshow: Slideshow 1
Early Blastocyst
#51, Slide 4 of 19
3 days
| Source: Centro Riproduzione Assistita, Catania, Italy. |
Note:Once the morula develops an inner cavity, the embryo has achieved a new developmental milestone and is called a blastocyst.Note:The cells lining the perimeter of the embryo will help form the placenta and are called trophoblast cells. These cells bring water, minerals, and amino acids from the nutrient-rich environment outside the embryo into the blastocyst cavity where they can reach the cells of the inner cell mass.Label Key:1. zona pellucida 2. trophoblast 3. early blastocyst cavity 4. inner cell mass |
| All ages referenced to fertilization, not last menstrual period. |
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