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Glossary: A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | Numbers | Symbols | Term Link | Original M

MI

(meiosis I) Acronym for meiosis I the first part of meiosis. Note, that depending on usage this acronym has been also used for metaphase I of meiosis I.

MII

(meiosis II) Acronym for meiosis II, the second part of the meiotic nuclear division. Note, that depending on usage this acronym has been also used for metaphase II of meiosis II.

macrosomia

(large gestational age, LGA) Term used to describe a newborn with an excessive birth weight. The definition is either a birth weight of 4000 to 4500 g (8 lb 13 oz to 9 lb 15 oz) or greater than 90% for gestational age after correcting for neonatal sex and ethnicity. There are a range of overgrowth syndromes associated with developmental delay, tumors, and other anomalies with genetic causes and syndromes (Pallister-Killian, Beckwith-Wiedemann, Sotos, Perlman, and Simpson-Golabi-Behmel) rarely diagnosed prenatally.

(More? Fetal Development | Birth | Maternal Diabetes | PMID 19609940)

magnesium sulphate

(magnesium sulfate) A clinical tocolytic agent used to inhibit labor (labor-inhibiting), slowing or halting uterine contractions. Inhibitory mechanism not clear, but thought to; compete with calcium at the level of plasma membrane voltage-gated channels, hyperpolarize the plasma membrane, inhibit myosin light-chain kinase activity by competing with intracellular calcium.

(More? Birth)

magnetic resonance imaging

(MRI, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, NMRI) An imaging technique developed in 1973 that uses a powerful magnetic field to align the nuclear magnetization of hydrogen atoms in water in the body. This is then altered using a radio frequency (RF) field and leads to the hydrogen nuclei producing a rotating magnetic field detectable by the scanner. The technique has been recently further developed as micro-magnetic resonance imaging (MicroMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging that are particularly useful in embryological studies.

(More? Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

magnetoencephalographic

(MEG) A brain imaging system that measures electromagnetic changes in regions of the brain that correspond to activity.

major urinary proteins

(MUPs) Proteins which carry volatile substances, including pheromones, and protect them during their internal passage (liver to kidneys into urine).

(More? Mouse Development- Estrous Cycle)

male factor

Any cause of infertility due to deficiencies in sperm quantity, function, or motility (ability to move) that make it difficult for a sperm to fertilize an egg under normal conditions.

(More? Week 1 Notes)

manchette

A transient microtubule structure formed in spermatids involved in the process of assembly of the mammalian spermatozoa tail and mechanical shaping and condensation of the spermatozoa nucleus. These microtubules are also involved with specific transport, intramanchette transport, which has been likened to intraflagellar transport.

(More? Spermatozoa Development | Testis Development | Fertilization)

mandible

Term used to describe the lower jaw of the face, which forms from the lower part pharyngeal arch 1, the mandibular process. The smaller upper part of pharyngeal arch 1 forms the two maxillary processes, which form the upper jaw. Meckel's cartilage forms first embryonic structure that forms a template for where the mandible will form.

(More? Head Development | Lecture - Head Development)

mandibular process

In early head and face development, the lower part and forming the majority of pharyngeal arch 1 which forms the lower jaw (mandible) of the face. Smaller upper part of pharyngeal arch 1 are the two maxillary processes. Meckel's cartilage forms first embryonic structure that forms a template for where the mandible will form.

(More? Head Development | Lecture - Head Development)

mammary gland

A specialised modified secretory gland producing milk in female mammals for neonatal nutrition. Note that milk production and neonatal nutrition through milk, define us as mammals.

(More? Integumentary System - Mammary Gland Development)

marginal sinus

(subcapsular sinus) A space lying under the connective tissue capsule or covering of an organ, which receives lymph from afferent lymphatic vessels.

(More? Lymphatics Development)

Marquette method

(MM) A natural family planning technique used as a method of avoiding pregnancy, named after Marquette University. Couples track their fertility by self-observation of cervical mucus, by use of an electronic monitor that measures urinary levels of estrone-3-glucuronide and luteinizing hormone, and by use of basal body temperature.

(More? Menstrual Cycle | PMID18997569)

massive chronic intervillositis

(chronic intervillositis, chronic histiocytic intervillositis) Rare placental abnormality and pathology defined by inflammatory placental lesions, mainly in the intervillous space (IVS), with a maternal infiltrate of mononuclear cells (monocytes, lymphocytes, histiocytes) and intervillous fibrinoid deposition.

(More? Placenta - Abnormalities)

maternal

Term used in relation to the female mother and is used genetically, biologically and legally. The term paternal relates to the male father.

maternal passive immunity

(maternal passive immunity) Term used to describe the transfer of maternal antibodies to the fetus (through the placenta) and the neonate (through milk).

(More? Placenta Development | Normal Development - Milk)

maternal mortality rate

Statistical term defined as the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.

(More? Statistics- Australian Maternal Statistics | Statistics - World Death)

maternal-to-zygotic transition

(MZT) Term used to describe the genetic transition from maternal gene products to that of the zygote genome in early development.

(More? PMID 19700615)

Math1

(Mouse homolog of ATH1, also called Atoh1) Basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor both necessary and sufficient for hair cell development in the mammalian cochlea.

(More? Inner Ear Development | Hearing Development | OMIM ATONAL)

matrix

Cell biology and histology term used to describe the non-cellular material in which cells are embedded, as in the extracellular matrix. Epithelia have a specialized basal matrix while connective tissue (mesenchyme) cells have extensive extracellular matrix surrounding each cell. The term matrix is also used in cell biology to describe the space within mitochondria, enclosed by the two mitochondrial membranes.

MAVS

Mitochondrial AntiViral Signaling, induces interferon expression and therefore increased antiviral defenses.

maxillary process

(pharyngeal arch 1 maxillary process; Latin, maxilla = upper jaw) In head and face development, the upper part of pharyngeal arch 1 which forms as a pair of small lateral swellings which contributes the upper jaw and forms the palatal shelves. Larger lower part of pharyngeal arch 1 is the mandibular process. Failure of these upper processes to fuse with the frontonasal prominence leads to cleft lip and cleft palate.

(More? Face Development | Face Abnormalities | Head Development)

Mayer- Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome

(MRKH) Abnormality of development of the female genital tract: partial or complete absence (agenesis) of the uterus; absent or hypoplastic vagina; normal fallopian tubes, ovaries, normal external genitalia and normal female chromosome pattern (46, XX). Has an incidence of approximately 1 in 4500 newborn girls and has been associated with a microdeletion at 17q12.

(More? Uterus Development | Vagina Development | PMID 19889212)

MDCT

Acronym for multidetector computed tomography.

measles

(paramyxovirus) Measles (rubeola) is mainly a respiratory viral infection, clinically different from Rubella. A single-stranded RNA virus which is highly contagious. Before measles vaccination (USA 1963) more than 90% of children had an infection before puberty and in developing countries it is still a common and often fatal childhood disease. Pregnancy effects of measles results in a higher risk of premature labor, spontaneous abortion, low-birth-weight, and possibly rare cases of birth defects with no definable pattern of malformation.

(More? Viral Infection)

meatal plate

An ectodermal plug that temporarily blocks the external auditory meatus (external acoustic meatus or ear canal) of the ear.

(More? Outer Ear Development | Hearing Development)

meatus

(Latin, meatus = a channel or way) An anatomical description of an opening or passageway (external auditory meatus, female urethral meatus).

(More? Senses - Hearing)

meatoplasty

A surgical technique allowing reconstructive surgery of a meatus or opening. The term is often used to describe the external ear canal, often used to treat external meatus stenosis. Can also be used to refer to other openings such as in the repair of a male genital hypospadia.

(More? Ear Abnormalities)

Meckel's cartilage

A temporary cartilage located in the first pharyngeal arch (mandibular component) that forms the template for formation of the mandible and middle ear bones. Named after Johann Friedrich Meckel, the Younger a German anatomist (1781 - 1833).

(More? Head Development | Johann Friedrich Meckel)

Meckel's diverticulum

(omphalomesenteric duct malformation) Gastrointestinal tract developmental abnormality due to persistence of the early vitelline duct region. Named after Johann Friedrich Meckel (1781 - 1833) the Younger, a German anatomist.

(More? Gastrointestinal Tract Development | omphalomesenteric duct malformations)

meconium

The gastrointestinal contents that accumulate in the intestines during the fetal period. This material is a mixture of liver bile and glandular secretions, amniotic fluid, and cellular debris. Meconium is also used to describe the first postnatal rectal discharge from the neonate. Fetal stress in the third trimester or at parturition can lead to premature meconium discharge, into the amniotic fluid and ingestion by the fetus (meconium aspiration syndrome) and damage to respiratory function. Damage to placental vessels [#meconium_myonecrosis meconium myonecrosis] may also occur.

(More? Birth | Meconium Aspiration Syndrome | Gastrointestinal Tract Development | Respiratory System Development)

meconium aspiration syndrome

(MAS) Fetal stress in the third trimester, prior to/at/ or during parturition can lead to premature meconium discharge into the amniotic fluid and sunsequent ingestion by the fetus and damage to respiratory function. Damage to placental vessels meconium myonecrosis may also occur.

(More? Birth | Gastrointestinal Tract Development | Respiratory System - Abnormalities)

meconium myonecrosis

Placental pathology resulting from prolonged meconium exposure which is toxic for myocytes of placental vessels (umbilical cord or chorionic plate).

(More? Placenta - Abnormalities)

meconium peritonitis

(MP) A sterile chemical peritonitis resulting from small bowel perforation leaking meconium in utero. Often detected by ultrasound and can result in a mortality rate as high as 60%.

meconium periorchitis

A rare disorder caused following an initial fetal meconium peritonitis and subsequent leakage of meconium into the scrotal sac.

(More? Meconium Aspiration Syndrome | PMID19638993)

meconium plug syndrome

(functional immaturity of the colon) Term used to describe a transient disorder of the newborn colon, which is characterized by delayed passage of meconium (more than 24 to 48 h), intestinal dilatation and yellow/green vomiting. More common in premature infants and can be determined by radiological dye study.

(More? Gastrointestinal Tract - Abnormalities | Gastrointestinal Tract Development | Birth | PMID18485962 | U Mich - Meconium Plug Syndrome)

medial

(Latin, medialis = middle) Anatomically towards the midline of the body or structure. The opposite anatomical term is lateral.

medial epithelial seam

(MES) Embryonic structure formed by the fusion of the two palatal shelves, forming a two-layered medial edge epithelial seam, which is then lost with palate development.

(More? Palate Development | Head Development | Lecture - Head Development | Medline Plus - Cleft Lip and Palate)

mediastinum testis

(Latin, medialis = middle) A single conical mass of connective tissue within the testis (male gonad) which extends from the tunica albuginea (cortical thick capsule surrounding the testis) into the seminiferous tubule region (medullary). Embedded within this connective tissue are the rete testis component of the duct conduction system for spermatozoa

Spermatozoa Duct Pathway: seminiferous tubule ‚ straight tubule ‚ rete testis ‚ ductuli efferentes ‚ ductus epididymidis ‚ ductus deferens)

(More? Testis Development | Spermatozoa Development)

median eminence

(Latin, medialis = middle) A midline pouch or recess in the floor of the third ventricle and an extension of the hypothalamus together with the neural stalk forms the infundibular stem, which in turn together with the posterior lobe forms the pituitary neurohypophysis.

(More? Endocrine - Hypothalamus Development | Endocrine - Pituitary Development)

medullary

(Latin, medialis = in the middle) Term relating to the medulla; pith, marrow, inner portion of an organ. Usually combined with cortex (cortical) meaning the outer layer.

medulloblast

An undifferentiated cell of the embryonic neural tube that can develop into either a neuroblast or spongioblast similar to a neural stem cell.

medulloblastoma

The most common malignant brain tumor in children (leading causes of cancer-related death in children under 9 years of age) and is thought to result from the transformation of granule cell precursors in the developing cerebellum. Approximately 25% of medulloblastoma cases have mutations in components of the Sonic hedgehog - Patched signaling pathway.

(More? Neural System - Abnormalities | Sonic hedgehog)

megalin

A transmembrane protein acts as an endocytic receptor on the apical surface of polarised epithelial cells. It requires interaction with another protein, cubulin, for the endocytosis of ligands. In development, it has been shown that sonic hedgehog can also bind megalin and this interaction now requires further research.

(More? Molecular Development - Sonic hedgehog | NCBI Bookshelf - Megalin)

megacolon

(intestinal aganglionosis, aganglionic colon, Hirschsprung's Disease) Gastrointestinal tract abnormality due to a lack of enteric nervous system (neural ganglia) in the intestinal tract responsible for gastric motility (peristalsis). In general, its severity is dependent upon the amount of the GIT that lacks intrinsic ganglia, due to an earlier developmental lack of neural crest migration into those segments.

(More? Gastrointestinal Tract Abnormalities | Neural Crest Abnormalities)

megaureter

Term describing a developmental renal abnormality due to ureter blockage lower as it enters the bladder, the ureterovesicular junction (UVJ), usually involves only one kidney and the back flow enlarges the affected ureter. See also obstructive renal pelvis defect.

meiosis

The cell division that occurs only in production of germ cells where there is a reduction in the number of chromosomes (diploid to haploid) which is the basis of sexual reproduction. All other non-germ cells in the body divide by mitosis.

(More? Meiosis | Spermatozoa Development | Oocyte Development | Week 1)

meiosis I

(MI) The first part of meiosis resulting in separation of homologous chromosomes, in humans producing two haploid cells (N chromosomes, 23), a reductional division.

Meiosis I: Prophase I - Metaphase I - Anaphase I - Telophase I

(More? Cell Division - Meiosis | Oocyte Development | Spermatozoa Development | Ovary Development)

meiosis II

(MII) The second part of meiosis. In male human spermatogenesis, producing of four haploid cells (23 chromosomes, 1N) from the two haploid cells (23 chromosomes, 1N), each of the chromosomes consisting of two sister chromatids produced in meiosis I. In female human oogenesis, only a single haploid cell (23 chromosomes, 1N) is produced.

Meiosis II: Prophase II - Metaphase II - Anaphase II - Telophase II

(More? Cell Division - Meiosis | Oocyte Development | Spermatozoa Development | Ovary Development)

meiotic sex chromosome inactivation

(MSCI) The process of transcriptional silencing of the X and Y chromosomes that occurs only during male meiotic spermatogenesis. This is a specialised form of meiotic silencing of unsynapsed chromatin. This specific silencing has also be called the second form of X chromosome inactivation, the first form occurs in all female embryo cells.

(More? Cell Division - Meiosis | PMID17329371)

meiotic silencing of unsynapsed chromatin

(MSUC) An aneuploidy protective mechanism for subsequent generations, during meiosis where chromosomes are silenced that fail to pair with their homologous partners.

Meissner's plexus

(submucosal plexus) Part of the enteric nervous system lying in the submucosa layer of the gastrointestinal tract. Embryologically derived from neural crest cells. Named after Georg Meissner (1829-1905) a German histologist, physiologist and anatomist.

(More? Gastrointestinal Tract Development | Neural Crest Development)

melamine

A commonly used compound to manufacture laminates, plastics, adhesives, and flame-resistant textiles. In the news for deliberate addition to food and animal feed to artificially boost the appearance of protein content based on nitrogen analysis. In China between 2007–2008, addition of melamine to raw milk used in powdered infant formula and other milk and dairy products caused an outbreak of kidney stones and renal failure in Chinese infants.

(More? Abnormal Development - Environmental | PMC2799490)

melanin

(Greek, melanos = black) The pigment produced by melanocytes that provides photoprotection, preventing cellular DNA damage, and colouring of the cells that secret and absorb the pigment.

melanoblast

(Greek, melanos = black) The neural crest precursor cell that differentiates to form melanocytes located in the skin and other tissues that produces melanin.

(More? Neural Crest Development | Integumentary Development)

melanocyte

(Greek, melanos = black) A pigmented cell, neural crest in origin, differentiating from melanoblasts located in the skin and other tissues that produces melanin. The melanocytes within the integument (skin) transfer melanin to keratinocytes to give skin colour and to the hair follicle to give hair colour. Melanocytes are also located within "non-cutaneous" tissues in the eye (for eye colour), harderian gland and inner ear. This is the cell type that proliferates in the cancer melanoma.

(More? Neural Crest Development | Integumentary Development)

melatonin

An endocrine hormone secretd from the pineal gland involved with the diurnal cycle, melatoinin levels are high in dark, low in daylight.

(More? Pineal Development | Endocrine System Development)

membrana granulosa

The granulosa cells that line the developing follicles of the ovary. These cells proliferate to form the stratum granulosa and other granulosa cells are given specific names based upon their position within the follicle. In the antral follicle, membrana granulosa sits on the follicular basal lamina and lines the antrum as a stratified epithelium. The cumulus oophorus is a column of granulosa cells that attaches the oocyte to the follicle wall. The corona radiata are the granulosa cells that directly surround the oocyte, and are released along with it at ovulation. Following ovulation the corona radiata provide physical protection to the oocyte and granulosa cells within the ovulating follicle contribute to corpus luteum.

(More? Week 1 | Ovary Development | Oocyte Development | Menstrual Cycle)

meninges

(singular meninx; Greek, meninx = membrane) Anatomical term describing the three connective tissue layers that surround the entire central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). The 3 layers from the central nervous outward are: pia mater, arachnoid mater, and the dura mater. These layers also have differing embryonic origins; dura mater is mesoderm, pia mater and arachnoid are neural crest. The space under the arachnoid layer (subarachnoid space) is filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

(More? Image - Meninges cartoon | Neural System Development)

meningoceles

The herniation of the meninges through a skull or spinal defect, formed from a neural tube defect. Spinal cord meningoceles have three classifications: simple meningocele, lateral meningocele and anterior sacral meningocele.

meningococcal disease

(meningitis) Disease can be a viral or bacterial infection of cerebrospinal fluid of the spinal cord and brain. Treatment and outcomes differ for either viral (less severe, resolves without specific treatment) or bacterial (severe, may result in brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disability) infections.

(More? Abnormal Development - bacteria | Postnatal Development | CDC - meningococcal disease)

menopause

(Greek, mene = moon, men = month, pause = end or cessation) The decrease in ovarian production of estrogen and progesterone leading to cessation of menstrual cycles, decrease in fertility, and end of female reproductive life. Usually occurs in the mid-40's, the term was first used by the French physician, de Gardanne in 1812.

(More? Menstrual Cycle | Medline Plus - Menopause)

menorrhagia

Term used to describe heavy menstrual bleeding, is common in women of reproductive age (WHO data, affects 1011 out of 5322 women).

(More? Menstrual Cycle)

menstrual age

The gestation time calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP) prior to fertilization. In humans, this differs from embryonic age by approximately two weeks.

(More? Menstrual Cycle | Week 1)

menstrual cycle

The human reproductive cycle, an endocrine regulated change in female anatomy and physiology that occur over 28 days (4 weeks, a lunar month) during reproductive life (between puberty and menopause). This cycle ceases during pregnancy and differs from other non-primate vertebrates (eg rats, mice, horses, pig) females that have a reproductive cycle called the estrous cycle (oestrous, British spelling).

(More? Menstrual Cycle | Estrous Cycle)

merkel cell

An epidermal-derived cell in touch-sensitive area of the epidermis and mediate mechanotransduction in the skin, in the epidermal basal layer of vertebrates. Previously thought to be neural crest in origin, but recently shown to arise from the embryonic epithelium. The cells are named after Friedrich Sigmund Merkel, a German anatomist who was the first to describe them in 1875.

(More? Integumentary Development | Lecture - Integumentary Development | PMID19786578 | PMID3782861)

merle

The pattern of coloring observed in the coat of the domestic dog and is characterized by patches of diluted pigment. Dogs inherit trait in an autosomal, incompletely dominant fashion and heterozygous or homozygous for the merle locus exhibit a wide range of auditory and ophthalmologic abnormalities, similar to those in human Waardenburg syndrome.

(More? Animal Embryos | PNAS Article 2006)

meromelia

(Greek, melia = limb) A limb abnormality with the partial absence of a limb, as described in the original classical classification of limb deficiencies.

(More? Limb Abnormalities)

mesangial cell

(glomerular mesangial cell) A kidney epithelial cell type located in the nephron (functional kidney unit) surrounding glomerular capillaries (blood vessels). Mesodermal in origin, there are mesangial cells within (intraglomerular) and outside (extraglomerular) the glomerulus. Have several functions including: contractile activity (smooth muscle-like) controlling blood flow and basement membrane surface area (glomerular filtration rate), structural support, phagocytosis (remove basal lamina components and immunoglobulins).

(More? Renal System Development)

mesencephalon

(midbrain, mes = mid, encephalon = brain) The embryonic neural tube region that will form midbrain structures of the tectum and tegmentum in the adult brain. The mesencephalon is the middle of the 5 secondary brain vesicles formed from the mesencephalon of the primary brain vesicle (there are 3 primary brain vesicles). The mesencephalon lumen (cavity of the neural tube) will form the midbrain aqueduct.

Primary brain vesicles: prosencephalon (forebrain) - mesencephalon (midbrain) - rhombencephalon (hindbrain)

Secondary brain vesicles: telencephalon - diencephalon - mesencephalon - metencephalon - myelencephalon

(More? Lecture - Early Neural Development | Neural System Development | Ventricular Development)

mesenchyme

Term used to describe the cellular organisation of undifferentiated embryonic connective tissue. Mesenchymal tissue is mainly derived from mesoderm and neural crest, which will form most of the adult connective tissues. This connective tissue organization contrasts with the other main form of cellular organization, epithelial tissue.

(More? Musculoskeletal System Development | Week 3)

mesenchymal stem cell

The cells derived from various connective tissues that form a population of stem cells with potential to differentiate for repair and replacement of connective and other tissues. Can be found mainly in bone marrow, but also in other places (dermis, lung and heart atria). The bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (or bone marrow stromal cell) differs from the hematopoietic stem cell (which forms blood cells) and can form bone, cartilage and adipose tissue.

(More? Stem Cells | Mesoderm)

mesenteric lymph node

(MLN) Immune system associated lymph nodes located at the base of the mesentery that collect lymph (cells and antigens) draining from the intestinal mucosa.

(More? Immune System Development | Gastrointestinal Tract Development)

mesentery

The tissue fold attaching gastrointestinal tract to posterior abdominal wall in which blood vessels, lymph and nerves run. Developmentally derived from lateral plate mesoderm forming splanchnic mesoderm which then forms the posterior mesogastrium.

(More? mesogastrium | Gastrointestinal Tract Development)

mesethmoid cartilage

The ventral component of the nasal capsule. In the chicken embryo, it is induced by sonic hedgehog (Shh) expression from endoderm (endoderm zone I).

(More? Head Development)

mesoderm

The middle layer of the 3 germ cell layers of the trilaminar embryo. Each region of this early layer will later form different structures, this middle layer contributes all connective tissues of the body, except in the head region where neural crest also will contribute. Mesoderm outside the embryo and covering the amnion, yolk and chorion sacs is extraembryonic mesoderm.

Mesoderm development:

1. epiblast -> mesoderm + axial mesoderm (notochord)
2. lateral plate + paraxial mesoderm + axial mesoderm
3. lateral plate + intermediate mesoderm + somites (body), paraxial mesoderm (head) + axial mesoderm
4. somatic mesoderm + intraembryonic coelom + splanchnic mesoderm + intermediate mesoderm + somites (body), paraxial mesoderm (head) + axial mesoderm

(More? Musculoskeletal System Development | Week 3)

mesodiencephalic dopaminergic neurons

(mdDA) Central nervous system neurons that control voluntary movement and reward based behaviour, which are lost in Parkinson's disease. Their embryonic origin progenitor cells are located in the caudal diencephalon and midbrain floorplate region.

mesogastrium

The developmental term for the splanchnic mesoderm forming early mesenteries (dorsal and ventral) that support the developing gastrointestinal tract. The majority of the ventral mesentery is developmentally lost at the level of the midgut and the dorsal mesentery remains in the adult, through which blood vessels, nerves and lymph connects to the gastrointestinal wall. Note that specific visceral organs also develop within each mesogastrium.

(More? Gastrointestinal Tract Development)

mesonephros

The second temporary stage of kidney development (pro-, meso-, meta-). The intermediate mesonephros develops and disappears with the exception of its duct, the mesonephric duct, which will form the male reproductive duct system. In males, the mesonephric tubules go on to form the ducts of the testis. In females, these degenerate. A few mesonephric tubules remain as efferent ductules in the male and vestigial remnants in the female.

Kidney Stages: pronephros - mesonephros - metanephros

(More? Renal System Development | Lecture - Renal Development)

mesonephric duct

(Wollfian duct) An early developing urogenital paired duct system that initially runs the length of the embryo, that will differentiate and form the male reproductive duct system (ductus deferens). In females, this duct degenerates occasionally some remnants may remain associated in broad ligament.

(More? Genital - Male Development | Genital System Development | Renal System Development | Lecture - Genital Development | Caspar Friedrich Wolff)

mesorchium

A peritoneal fold attaching the testes to the mesonephros during development.

(More? Genital System Development | Genital - Male Development)

mesovarium

The mesentry of the ovary formed from a fold of the broad ligament that attaches the ovary through this structure pass the vessels and nerves to the ovary, entering at the hilus of the ovary.

(More? Ovary Development | Week 1)

messenger RNA

(mRNA) The form of RNA that is translated into a protein amino acid sequence by the ribosome.

metabolic syndrome

Term used to describe the group of obesity-related metabolic abnormalities that increase an individual's risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

metanephros

The adult kidney, third stage of mammalian kidney (pro-, meso-, meta-) development within the intermediate mesoderm.

Kidney Stages: pronephros - mesonephros - metanephros

(More? Renal System Development | Lecture - Renal Development)

metanephric cap

In kidney development, the intermediate mesoderm (metanephric mesenchyme) which surrounds the ureteric bud and will develop into nephrons.

(More? Renal System Development | Lecture - Renal Development)

metanephric mesenchyme

Metanephric mesenchyme caudal part of intermediate mesoderm that will develop into nephrons within the kidney. The intermediate mesoderm forms as an unsegmented strip running rostro-caudally between the somite and lateral plate mesoderm. The very caudal (tail) end of this mesoderm strip where the uteric bud forms is the metanephric mesenchyme, which induces the formation of, and surrounds the end of, the ureteric bud.

(More? Renal System Development | Lecture - Renal Development)

metaphase

Cell division term referring to the third mitotic stage, mitotic spindle kinetochore microtubules align chromosomes in one midpoint plane. Metaphase ends when sister kinetochores separate. Originally based on light microscopy of living cells and electron microscopy of fixed and stained cells. A light microscope analysis called a "metaphase spread" was originally used to detect chromosomal abnormalities in cells.

Mitosis Phases: prophase - prometaphase - metaphase - anaphase - telophase

(More? Cell Division - Mitosis | Cell Division - Meiosis | Week 1)

metaphase spread

A light microscope analysis technique originally used to detect chromosomal abnormalities in cells, as chromosomes are only visible during cell division.

Mitosis Phases: prophase - prometaphase - metaphase - anaphase - telophase

(More? Abnormal Development - Genetic | Cell Division - Mitosis | Cell Division - Meiosis | Week 1)

metencephalon

(Greek, encephalon = brain) The embryonic neural tube region that will form hindbrain structures of the pons and cerebellum in the adult brain. The metencephalon is the fourth of the 5 secondary brain vesicles formed from the rhombencephalon of the primary brain vesicle (there are 3 primary brain vesicles). The metencephalon lumen (cavity of the neural tube) will form the fourth ventricle.

Secondary brain vesicles: telencephalon - diencephalon - mesencephalon - metencephalon - myelencephalon

(More? Neural System Development | Neural - Ventricular System Development)

metestrus

In most female mammals, the third stage in the estrous cycle immediately before diestrus characterized by sexual inactivity and the formation of the corpus luteum.

Estrous cycle stages: proestrus - estrus - metestrus - diestrus

(More? Estrous Cycle | Mouse Estrous Cycle)

methionine aminopeptidase

(MetAPs) An enzyme family of cytosolic metalloproteases which are responsible for cleavage from nascent proteins (newly translated) of the initial methionine from the N termini. Eukaryotes express two forms of MetAPs (types 1 and 2), with type 2 required for normal vascular development, deletion in mouse causes embryonic death at the midsomite stage.

(More? Cardiovascular System Development)

methotrexate

(MTX, amethopterin) Drug with several different uses including the treatment of ectopic pregnancy and for the induction of medical abortions. Acts as a antimetabolite and antifolate (folic acid antagonist) drug that inhibits DNA synthesis in actively dividing cells, including trophoblasts, and therefore has other medical uses include cancer and autoimmune disease treatment. Treatment success in ectopic pregnancy relates to serum β human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) concentration.

(More? Ectopic Pregnancy | Medline Plus | PMID8317518)

methyldopa

(alpha methyldopa) A central alpha agonist used to lower blood pressure. Used as an anti-hypertensive drug to lower blood pressure in pre-eclampsia, acting by either a direct or indirect central vasodilatory mechanism. A recent study suggests this drug may have a direct effect on placenta and/or endothelial cell function in pre-eclampsia patients, altering angiogenic proteins. Drug commercial brandname (USA) "Aldomet", also available in combination with other drugs: methyldopa and chlorothiazide "Aldochlor", methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide "Aldoril".

(More? Placenta Abnormalities - Pre-eclampsia | Medline Plus - Methyldopa | PMID: 18648513)

methylmercury

(organic mercury) Toxic form, at high concentrations, of mercury found in the environment (air, water, soil, plants and animals) and is different from elemental mercury (thermometers, dental amalgams). Industrial mercury can enter water systems, which is then converted into methylmercury and can contaminate exposed fish or shellfish, entering the human food chain.

(More? Abnormal Development - Heavy Metals)

metopic suture

A skull fibrous joint, cranial suture between adjacent developing bones of the skull. This suture begins at nose and runs superiorly to meet sagittal suture and fuses in early childhood before all other cranial sutures. Premature fusion (synostosis) of metopic suture causes trigoncephaly (wedge skull).

(More? Musculoskeletal System - Skull Development | Head Development)

metritis

Inflammation of the uterus, usually due to a bacterial or other infection, see also pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

metrorrhagia

Clinical term used to describe uterine bleeding at irregular intervals between the normal menstrual cycle periods (menses).

(More? Menstrual Cycle)

MiRNA

Acronynm for MicroRNA a small noncoding ribonucleotide-based (RNA) regulators of gene expression. They have diverse functions including regulation of cellular differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis.

microcephaly

An abnormally small skull cranium marked by premature fusion of the skull sutures and also under-developed brain.

microchimerism

(Mc) Term used to describe when a usually small population of cells or DNA is harbored by one individual that derive from a genetically distinct individual. May occur in pregnancy when cells exchange beween fetus and mother, mother and fetus or in twinning.

(More? Abnormal Development - Twinning)

micro-magnetic resonance imaging

(MicroMRI) A non-invasive imaging technique that allows detailed imaging of small biological structures using magnetic resonance imaging that are particularly useful in embryological studies.

(More? Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

microphthalmia

(microphthalmos) The abnormality of development of a small eye within the orbit. This condition has been reported in up to 11% of blind children.

microphthalmia-associated transcription factor

(MITF) A protein, basic helix loop helix (bHLH) zipper transcription factor, key to regulating melanocyte development. Also functions as an oncogene in malignant melanoma.

(More? OMIM - MITF | Lecture - Neural Crest Development | Lecture - Integumentary System | Neural Crest Development)

MicroRNA

(miRNA) a small noncoding ribonucleotide-based (RNA) regulators of gene expression. These recently discovered small RNA molecules (18-24 nucleotides) negatively regulate target mRNAs and appear to have a role in many developmental processes as well as in the adult. (See also "Dicer") There is also another class of small RNAs involved in gene expression present in cells, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), generated from double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) precursors.

(More? Molecular Development - microRNA | Molecular Development)

microtia

The condition of an abnormally small external ear.

(More? Microtia | Outer Ear Development)

midbrain

(mesencephalon) The common term used to describe the early primary brain vesicle middle subdivision of brain development at the stage when there are three primary vesicles or expansions of the early neural tube (forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain. This subdivision is the only one present at the later five secondary brain vesicle stage. Term is also used in the adult brain to describe brainstem components formed including: tectum, tegmentum, the ventricular mesocoelia, cerebral peduncles, and additional nuclei and fasciculi.

Three primary brain vesicles: forebrain ( prosencephalon) - midbrain (mesencephalon) - hindbrain (rhombencephalon)

(More? Lecture - Early Neural Development | Neural System Development)

midbrain flexure

(pontine flexure) pontine flexure The middle curvature that forms in the early rapidly growing neural tube.

(More? Neural System Development)

midgut

The middle of the three part/division (foregut - midgut - hindgut) of the early forming gastrointestinal tract. The midgut is initially connected on the ventral embryo surface to the external yolk sac by a yolk stalk, a narrow tubular connection. The midgut forms all the tract from beneath the stomach (duodenum, small intestine and large intestine) to the distral transverse colon. The midgut develops as an external loop "herniated" ventrally, until early fetal growth of the body wall recaptures this external loop, which also undergoes a rotation about the superior mesenteric artery to establish the adult anatomical position. These anatomical divisions also correspond to their 3 main vascular supply divisions of foregut coeliac artery, midgut superior mesenteric artery and hindgut inferior mesenteric artery.

Gastrointestinal Tract Divisions: foregut - midgut - hindgut

(More? Lecture - Gastrointestinal Tract Development | Gastrointestinal Tract Development)

mifepristone

(RU 486) A progesterone receptor antagonist similar in structure to the natural hormone progesterone, which is used medically as a birth control drug. Commercial drug names include Mifegyne and Mifeprex. Ulipristal is new analog of mifepristone, acting as a selective progesterone receptor modulator, identified as a second generation emergency contraceptive.

(More? Mifepristone | Birth Control)

miRNA

Acronym for MicroRNA

Mirror syndrome

(Ballantyne's syndrome) An abnormality typically defined as the development of maternal edema in association with fetal hydrops with an associated high rate of fetal and maternal death. The condition has been reported associated with: rhesus isoimmunization (29%), twin-twin transfusion syndrome (18%), viral infection (16%) and fetal malformations, fetal or placental tumors (37.5%). PMID 20357423

miscarriage

A general clinical term for the loss of embryo or fetus by spontaneous abortion. In humans, there can be a number of different specific causes and it may occur early in a pregnancy (week 1 and 2) due to conceptus genetic abnormalities.

misoprostol

A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used in medical management of first trimester miscarriage and for birth labor induction. In some countries, often in combination with mifepristone. Drug is a potential teratogen, used in non-pregnant treatment to prevent ulcers in people taking some arthritis or pain medicines. A synthetic prostaglandin E₁ (PGE₁) analogue marketed in the USA commercially as Cytotec.

(More? Medline Plus - misoprostol)

missed abortion

(blighted ovum) Term previously used to describe early fetal loss, embryo loss in first trimester.

mitofusin

(Mfn) Mitochondrial protein GTPases that are essential for mitochondrial fusion, the joining together of two separate mitochondria within a cell. There are two forms mitofusin 1 (Mfn1) and mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) homologous to drosophila (Fzo) that are differentially expressed in different tissues. In skeletal muscle, loss of mitofusins causes severe mitochondrial dysfunction, compensatory mitochondrial proliferation, and muscle atrophy.

(More? PMID: 14561718 | OMIM - Mfn1 | Mfn2 | Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 6)

mitosis

The normal division of all cells, except germ cells, where chromosome number is maintained (diploid). In germ cell division (oocyte, spermatozoa) meiosis is a modified form of this division resulting in reduction in genetic content (haploid). Mitosis, division of the nucleus, is followed by cytokinesis the division of the cell cytoplasm and the cytoplasmic contents. cytokinesis overlaps with telophase.

Mitosis Phases: prophase - prometaphase - metaphase - anaphase - telophase

(More? Cell Division - Mitosis | Week 1)

mixoploidy

(mixoploid) Genetic term used to describe an abnormal genome chromosomal set, includes mosaicism, where there are two or more genetically different cell lines in an individual.

(More? Genetics | Abnormal Development - Genetic)

MMR

Acronym for Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine.

(More? Abnormal Development - Rubella Virus | Normal Development - Immunization)

modulo

Drosophila transcription factor which binds to the promoter of spermatid-differentiation gene Sdic and integrate meiosis and spermatid differentiation in the male germ line. (homologue of nucleolin)

(More? PNAS paper | OMIM nucleolin)

monochorionic

A twinning term, in a monozygotic twinning event (one fertilised egg and a single spermatazoa, form a single zygote) which occurs early (within 2 days of fertilization). Later splitting (more than 2 days after fertilization) may result in a shared placenta and only duplication of the embryonic amnionic sacs (monochorionic diamniotic twins).

(More? Twinning)

monozygotic twin

Twins (identical) produced from a single fertilization event (one fertilised egg and a single spermatazoa, form a single zygote), these twins therefore share the same genetic makeup. Occurs in approximately 3-5 per 1000 pregnancies, more commonly with aged mothers. Late monozygotic twins can result in conjoined twins or both a shared placenta and a shared amniotic sac (monochorionic monoamniotic twins). Note dizygotic twins (fraternal) arise from separate fertilizations of different eggs.

(More? Twinning | Week 1 | Week 2)

morbidity

(Latin, morbidus = "sick" or "unhealthy") Clinical term refers to a diseased state, disability, or poor health due to any cause.

Moro reflex

(startle reflex) Clinical term describing a primitive reflex, an involuntary response (reflex) that is present at birth and that normally disappears after 3 or 4 months. The reflex has 4 parts: startle; abduction of the upper limbs (spreading out arms); adduction of the upper limbs (unspreading the arms); crying (usually, but may be absent). Preterm birth infants (28 to 33 weeks) have an incomplete form of this reflex and postnatal persistence (beyond 4 or 5 months) occurs in infants with severe neurological defects.

(More? Neural Exam - Newborn reflexes - Moro | Neural System Development | Neonatal Development | Medline Plus - Moro reflex)

morphogenesis

Term used to describe the process of development involving a change in form (shape) and size or either cells or tissues.

morphogenetic field

Term used to describe a group of cells with a similar developmental fate, forming a specific structure or organ (forelimb, eye, heart).

morula

(Latin, morula = mulberry) An early stage in post-fertilization development when cells have rapidly divided to produce a solid mass of cells (12-15 cells) with a "mulberry" appearance. This stage is followed by formation of a cavity in this cellular mass (blastocyst stage). In humans, morula stage of development occurs during the first week following fertilization.

(More? Morula | Week 1 | Fertilization | Week 1 | Cell Division - Mitosis)

MIS

Acronym for Mullerian Inhibiting Substance, a hormone that regulates genital development.

MSC

Acronym for mesenchymal stem cell, a connective tissue stem cell.

MSDS

Acronym for Material Safety Data Sheet, a set of information about a chemical properties, risks, hazards and toxicity. This term in Australia is being replaced by Safety Data Sheet (SDS), under the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) program to standardise chemical data around the world.

(More? Abnormal Development - Chemicals | Safe Work Australia - GHS | United Nations - GHS)

MSH

Acronym for muscle specific homeobox (which is not muscle specific), a homeobox gene involved in pattern formation in several systems in development.

MSS

Acronym for Maternal Serum Screening, used to detect potential genetic abnormalities in both mother and embryo.

(More? Abnormal Development - Genetic)

MTOR

Acronym for Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin a cellular protein kinase (PI3K-related kinase superfamily member) with a general role in cell growth and proliferation. Studies in the mouse also suggest a role in the process of blastocyst implantation.

(More? Implantation)

mucopolysaccharidosis VI

(MPS VI) A lysosomal storage disease, due to a deficiency of the enzyme arylsulfatase B, which leads to the accumulation of dermatan sulphate (sulfate) causing a skeletal dysplasia, short stature, dysostosis multiplex and degenerative joint disease.

(More? Musculoskeletal System Development)

mucosa

(mucous membrane, mucosae) Histological and anatomical term used to describe lining cellular layers of tissues which function in absorption and secretion. In the gastrointestinal tract (endoderm origin) lining, the mucosa is formed by the epithelial layer, lamina propria and muscularis mucosa. The entire gastrointestinal tract along it's length has similar structural layers of: mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa and an adventitia or serosa.

Müllerian duct

(paramesonephric duct) An embryonic paired duct system that will form the epithelial lining of female reproductive organs: utererine tube, uterus, upper vaginal canal. This duct system degenerate in male gonadal development. Named after Johannes Peter Müller (1801-1858) a German scientist.

(More? Uterus Development | Genital - Female Development | Genital System Development)

Johannes Peter Müllerian

Johannes Peter Müller (1801 - 1858) in 1830 was the first to describe the duct named after him, the "Müllerian duct" also called the paramesonephric duct.

(More? Uterus Development | Genital - Female Development | Menstrual Cycle | Genital System Development)

Mullerian Inhibiting Substance

(MIS, Anti-Mullerian Hormone, AMH, Mullerian inhibiting hormone, MIH). A sertoli cell secreted glycoprotein (transforming growth factor-beta, TGF-beta superfamily) that regulates gonadal and genital tract development. The main role is to inhibit paramesonephric duct (Müllerian) development in males. Postnatally, after puberty it is also expressed in females by ovarian granulosa cells and has a role in follicle development.

(More? Testis Development | Genital System Development | OMIM - AMH)

multidetector computed tomography

(MDCT) A reasonably non-invasive imaging technique that uses several detectors, the multidetector can be 4- or 8-rows. Computed Tomography or computed axial tomography (CAT or CT scan) began in 1970's using x-ray and a computer to produce images either as individual slices or reconstructed to give three dimensional (3D) views of specific anatomical regions or structures. Since then technical developments have included: slip-ring technology, high-power x-ray tubes (with better cooling), and reconstruction algorithms (for nonlinear data acquisition by interpolation). Scans for a determining heart abnormalities, Coronary Coronary Computed Tomography Angiogram (CTA), require the highest possible resolution (64-slice system (64-MDCT).

(More? Computed Tomography | Cardiovascular System - Abnormalities)

multifetal pregnancy reduction

A procedure used to decrease the number of fetuses a woman carries and improve the chances that the remaining fetuses will survive and develop into healthy infants. Multifetal reductions that occur naturally are referred to as spontaneous multifetal reductions.

multiple birth

A pregnancy that results in the birth of more than one infant.

(More? Abnormal Development - Twinning)

multiple hereditary exostoses

(MHE) An genetic abnormality, occurring as an autosomal dominant disease associated with mutations in two enzymes that are required for heparan sulfate (HS) synthesis. Children with the disease form numerous benign bone tumors (osteochondromas) and also the possibility of developing chondrosarcoma.

musashi 1

(musashi-1, MS1) A protein regulator of translation that specifically binds to the 3′-untranslated region (UTR) of some messenger RNA (mRNA) and inhibits their translation. Identified in the developing nervous system (binds m-Numb mRNA) and gastrointestinal tract.

muscarinic receptor

(acetylcholine receptor) These are G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) located in the cell membrane. In mammals, there are 5 different isoforms (m1-m5) with different central and peripheral nervous system and other tissue distributions.

muscle

Term used to describe the tissue that has contractile activity, also used to describe the functional cells that contract. There are three main types of muscle: smooth muscle, cardiac muscle and skeletal muscle. Muscle is generally mesodermal in origin, each muscle type coming from a different mesoderm region.

(More? Musculoskeletal System Development | Lecture - Mesoderm Development | Lecture - Musculoskeletal Development)

muscle atrophy

(Latin, atrophia = ill fed) A general term applied to the wasting or decrease in muscle mass or volume. This atrophy can be due to a number of different causes (genetic, environmental and disease) and the term is mainly used in reference to skeletal muscle , but can also occur in the two other muscle types: cardiac and smooth muscle. The most common form in human development is duchenne muscular dystrophy.

(More? Musculoskeletal System Development)

mutagen

A chemical or agent that can cause permanent damage to the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in a cell. DNA damage in the human egg or sperm may lead to reduced fertility, spontaneous abortion (miscarriage), birth defects and heritable diseases.

myocardium

Layer that forms the muscular wall of the heart, the thickest layer formed by spirally arranged cardiac muscle cells. The other two cardiac layers are the pericardium and endocardium. The heart embryonic origin is from the cariogenic region of prechordal splanchnic mesoderm.

Heart layers: epicardium -> myocardium - > endocardium

(More? Cardiovascular System Development | Cardiac Embryology tutorial | Lecture - Heart Development)

Mycoplasma genitalium

(M. genitalium) A parasitic bacteria that can populate the epithelial layer of human uterine (Fallopian) tubes and lead to cilia damage and therefore contribute to tubal factor infertility. A recent study has shown that M. genitalium can also bind to human spermatozoa, could be carried by motile sperm, and contribute to this process of female genital disease and infertility.

(More? Abnormal Implantation)

myelomeningocele

(spina bifida) A neural tube defect, a form of spina bifida (developmental abnormalities leading to failure of closure of the spinal column). Can be of two forms: spina bifida occulta (spinal column fails to close, spinal cord and meninges remain in place and defect is covered by skin) meningoceles (tissue covering the spinal cord sticks out of the spinal defect but the spinal cord remains in place).

(More? 2009 Lecture - Early Neural Development | Neural System - Abnormalities)

myelencephalon

(Greek, enkephalon = brain) The embryonic neural tube region that will form hindbrain structures of the medulla oblongata in the adult brain. The myelencephalon is the last vesicle of the 5 secondary brain vesicles before the spinal cord and formed from the rhombencephalon of the primary brain vesicle (there are 3 primary brain vesicles). The myelencephalon lumen (cavity of the neural tube) will form the lower part of the fourth ventricle.

Secondary brain vesicles: telencephalon - diencephalon - mesencephalon - metencephalon - myelencephalon

(More? Neural System Development)

myenteric plexus

(Auerbach's plexus) Neural network forming part of the gastrointestinal tract enteric nervous system lying between the outer longitudinal and inner circular layers of the smooth muscle forming the muscularis externa. Its function is the motor innervation to both smooth muscle layers (peristalsis) and secretomotor innervation to the mucosa (parasympathetic and sympathetic input). The second submucosal plexus (Meissner's plexus) lies within the submucosal layer between the external smooth muscle and the mucosa of the small and large intestines from the duodenum to the internal anal sphincter. Embryologically derived from neural crest migrating into the splanchnic mesoderm, developmental abnormalities of this neural crest migration cause aganglionic colon.

(More? Gastrointestinal Tract Development | Neural Crest Development)

myoblast

The undifferentiated mononucleated muscle cells that will fuse together to form a multinucleated myotube, then mature into a muscle fibre.

(More? Musculoskeletal System Development | Musculoskeletal System Development)

myocardin

A protein that acts as a transcriptional co-activator of serum response factor (Srf), which is a regulator of both smooth and cardiac muscle gene expression.

(More? Heart Molecular | PMID: 17021041])

MyoD

Myoblast determining factor, a transcription factor involved in the determination of muscle cells in the somite. A basic helix-loop-helix factor which binds DNA.

(More? Musculoskeletal System Development | Molecular Notes)

myogenesis

The process of muscle cell development or formation. In skeletal muscle the cellular sequence is: myoblast, myotube and myofibre.

Development sequence: mesoderm - paraxial mesoderm - unsegmented mesoderm/somite - dermomyotome - myotome - myoblast - myotube - myofibre

(More? 2009 Lecture - Musculoskeletal Development | Musculoskeletal Notes | Molecular Notes)

myometrium

Uterus anatomy term describing the uterus wall (uterine wall) middle smooth muscle layer. This layer lies between the lining endometrium and the covering serosa (perimetrium). During pregnancy this layer increases in thickness, mainly by smooth muscle hypertrophy, and its contraction is required for childbirth and expulsion of the placenta.

(More? Uterus Development | Birth)

myonecrosis

The term used to describe pathological death of myocytes. Can occur during development in placental vessels (umbilical cord or chorionic plate) following prolonged exposure to meconium (meconium myonecrosis).

(More? Placenta Development)

myostatin

(Mstn) A member of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily of secreted growth and differentiation factors. Expressed in developing and adult skeletal muscle.

(More? Lecture - Musculoskeletal Development | Musculoskeletal System Development)

myotendinous junction

(MTJ) The specialiazed junction between a skeletal muscle and the tendon which transmit the force of the muscle contraction to the bone of the skeleton. Their role is to transmit the force of the muscle contraction. The histology of tendons is that of a dense regular connective tissue high in collagen type I. During development the MTJ has a unique microenvironment.

(More? Musculoskeletal System Development | Ligament Tendon Notes)

myotome

The portion of the dermamyotome that generates skeletal muscle. Has 2 components epaxial (dorsal muscles) hypaxial (ventral muscles)

(More? Musculoskeletal System Development)

myotube

The initial multinucleated cell formed by fusion of myoblasts during skeletal muscle development. Note the sequence shown below is for skeletal muscle of the body.

Development sequence: mesoderm - paraxial mesoderm - unsegmented mesoderm/somite - dermomyotome - myotome - myoblast - myotube - myofibre

(More? Musculoskeletal System Development | 2009 Lecture - Musculoskeletal Development)

myxomatous

The term (histology/pathology) used to describe a connective tissue embedded in mucus, for example Wharton's jelly of the placental cord.

(More? Placenta - Histology)

Glossary Comments

Use this page to access brief definitions of specific embryology terms. Additional information can be accessed from links listed at the end of each definition. Glossary from the UNSW Embryology program compiled and written by Dr Mark Hill. Reference material used in preparing this glossary list includes: texts listed on page 1 "Reading" of each notes section, Department of Anatomy Publications, WWW resources from NCBI, NIH, OMIM, NHMRC (Australia), AMA (USA), Office of Rare Diseases (USA), PubMed Medline Dictionaries, MSDS, Merck Manual home edn. and WHO ART terminology (2009).

These notes are for Educational Purposes Only Please email Dr Mark Hill if you wish to make a comment about this current project.

Glossary Links

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Cite this page: Hill, M.A. (2024, May 3) Embryology M. Retrieved from https://embryology.med.unsw.edu.au/embryology/index.php/M

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