Blastulation – Definition & Meaning

Blastulation is a term used in developmental biology that refers to the process of forming a blastula from a fertilized egg. It is a crucial step in the early stages of embryonic development, and it marks the beginning of the process of cell differentiation that leads to the formation of all the tissues and organs in the body.

Definitions

Blastulation is defined as the process of forming a hollow ball of cells, called a blastula, from a fertilized egg. During this process, the zygote undergoes a series of cell divisions that result in the formation of a hollow sphere of cells with a fluid-filled cavity in the center.

Origin

The term blastulation comes from the Greek word “blastos,” which means “sprout” or “bud.” It was first used in the early 20th century by embryologists who were studying the early stages of embryonic development.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, blastulation is defined as “the formation of a blastula from a fertilized egg.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “the process of forming a hollow ball of cells from a fertilized egg.”

Associations

Blastulation is a crucial step in the early stages of embryonic development. It marks the beginning of the process of cell differentiation, which leads to the formation of all the tissues and organs in the body. Without blastulation, the embryo would not be able to develop properly.

Synonyms

Some synonyms for blastulation include blastogenesis, blastocyst formation, and blastoderm formation.

Antonyms

There are no direct antonyms for blastulation, as it is a specific process in embryonic development.

The same root words

The root word “blast” is also found in other biological terms, such as blastocyst, blastomere, and blastopore.

Example Sentences

1. The process of blastulation is essential for the proper development of the embryo.
2. The blastula is formed during the process of blastulation.
3. The embryonic stem cells are derived from the blastocyst that forms during blastulation.
4. The blastomeres divide rapidly during the process of blastulation.
5. The blastopore is formed during the later stages of blastulation.