3-DIMENSIONAL ANATOMY OF 8-DAY MOUSE CONCEPTUS - STUDY BY SCANNING ELECTRON-MICROSCOPY

Abstract

The 8 day mouse embryo has an inverted geometric pattern as compared to most other mammals at a comparable stage of development. This study, aided by microdissection within the scanning electron microscope specimen chamber, demonstrated the basic morphology of the embryo and its relationship to extraembryonic compartments and surrounding membranes. Thirty-nine micrographs and 2 diagrams are provided to illustrate the whole conceptus and details of various parts such as brain segments, neural folds, cervical fold, pericardial-peritoneal canal, pericardial coelom, procephalic membrane, amnion, allantois, yolk sac, blood islands, parietal capsule, ectoplacental cavity, ectoplacental cone and trophoblastic villi.