Developmental Anatomy

External: The head is relatively larger than previously; the main axis of the trunk has become straighter, and a slight indication of a lumbar curvature may be found; the nasal pit is further medial and is directed ventrally so that the nostril is not visible in profile views, and nasofrontal grooves are distinct; the full complement of auricular hillocks is present on the mandibular and hyoid arches; the hand plate exhibits definite digital rays, and the foot has acquired a rounded digital plate; surface elevations of individual somites are becoming limited mostly to the lumbosacral region.

Internal: In the heart, foramen secundum and semi-lunar cusps have appeared (stages 15-17), and fora-men primum is being obliterated and the atrioventricular cushions are fusing (stages 16-18); the beginnings of the palate are appearing, the dorsal and ventral pancreas are fused, and the vermiform appendix is distinguishable; the bronchial tree shows segmental buds; the mesonephros is functional, calices are developing, and the urogenital sinus presents two divisions; chondrification begins in some of the vertebral centra and in the humerus and radius; the future olfactory bulb is indicated; the retinal fissure is largely closed and the lens cavity is becoming crescentic; semicircular ducts are imminent but none is yet present; the auditory ossicles are defined.

Lab Manual - Horizon 18 (CC#7707)

• The body of the embryo is a more unified cuboidal mass than in earlier groups, and there is some indication of both lumbar and cervical flexures.
• The extremities are somewhat longer; the digital rays of the hand are definitely notched.
• The elbow region is usually discernable, and the foot plate and toe rays can be seen in some specimens.
• Eyelid folds are present in older specimens, and the pigmented retina is partly covered by white opaque condensed scleral masses, particularly above and on the lateral side of the retina.
• A distinct tip of the nose can be seen in profile.
• Auricular hillocks are being transformed into definite parts of the external ear.
• Ovulation age: 44-48 days.

QUESTION: What is the overall shape of the embryo at this point?

Related Links

• Stage 17: Summary
• Stage 19: Summary
• Stages of Development