Abnormal Development - Ectopic Implantation
From Embryology
Introduction
Human development during week 2 is about implantation and the endocrine signaling to block the normal menstrual cycle. The blastocyst implantation process should normally and does occur within the body of the uterus. There are a number of additional abnormal sites of implantation that are outside the uterine body, these are described as ectopic implantation or ectopic pregnancy. The most common form of human ectopic pregnancy is when implantation occurs within the uterine tube, described as a tubal pregnancy. Note that the endocrine signals blocking the menstrual cycle and indicating a pregnancy will still be released following this ectopic implantation. Ectopic pregnancies are therefore often identified by early ultrasound scans.
