MORULAS Meaning and
Definition
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Morulas are compact clusters of cells that form during embryonic development in animals. The term "morula" is derived from the Latin word "morulae" meaning mulberry, as the cluster of cells resembles the shape of a mulberry fruit. Morulas are typically observed in the early stages of animal embryogenesis, following the division of a zygote.
During fertilization, the sperm fertilizes the egg to form a zygote. The zygote then undergoes repeated rounds of cell division through a process called cleavage, resulting in the formation of a morula. The cells within the morula are known as blastomeres and are indistinguishable from one another, lacking any specialized structure or function.
In mammals, including humans, the morula stage occurs around the fourth day after fertilization, when the zygote has divided into a cluster of 12 to 32 blastomeres. These blastomeres continue to divide and differentiate, forming a structure called a blastocyst, which then implants into the uterine wall, leading to further embryonic development.
Morulas play a crucial role in embryonic development as they serve as the precursor to the blastocyst. They are essential in the early stages of prenatal development, providing the foundation for the formation of specialized cells and tissues that will shape the future organism. Understanding the formation and development of morulas is fundamental in studying the process of embryogenesis and can have implications in reproductive medicine, stem cell research, and assisted reproductive technologies.
Common Misspellings for MORULAS
Etymology of MORULAS
The word "morulas" is derived from the Latin term "morula", which means "mulberry". This is because the structure of a morula, which is an early stage in embryonic development, resembles a cluster of tiny, round cells that resembles a mulberry fruit.
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