General embryology
Early human development establishes germ layers and body axes before organ-specific differentiation. Embryological timing helps explain congenital structural anomalies.
Open interactive lesson & self-check ↗General embryology — learning map
Original conceptual SVG · scalableOriginal schematic relationship map for this topic; relationships are organized for study, not intended as an anatomical depiction or a diagnostic algorithm.
Fertilization and cleavage
Repeated cell division forms the blastocyst, with embryoblast and trophoblast lineages contributing to embryo and extraembryonic tissues.
Implantation
The blastocyst interacts with endometrium; trophoblastic differentiation contributes to the developing placenta.
Gastrulation
The embryonic disc forms ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm, from which organ systems develop through subsequent induction and differentiation.
Neurulation and folding
Neural tube formation and lateral and craniocaudal folding transform the early disc into a three-dimensional body plan.
Reference and next reading
Explore the original curriculum and publisher-hosted resources for full-depth reading; this note is an original schematic introduction, not an exhaustive chapter.