Canadian Medical Guide > Biological Sciences > Physiological Processes > Growth and Embryonic Development Terms and Definitions

Growth and Embryonic Development

	Cell Lineage - The developmental history of cells as traced from the first division of the original cell or cells in the embryo.
	Ectogenesis - Embryonal development or fetal maturation that takes place in an artificial environment.
	Fetal Viability - The potential of the fetus-in-utero to survive after birth.
	Gestational Age - Age of the conceptus. In humans, this may be assessed by medical history, physical examination, early immunologic pregnancy tests, radiography, ultrasonography, and amniotic fluid analysis.
	Growth
	Lymphangiogenesis - The formation of LYMPHATIC VESSELS.
	Metamorphosis, Biological
	Molting - Casting off feathers, hair, or cuticle. Molting is a process of sloughing or desquamation, especially the shedding of an outer covering and the development of a new one. This phenomenon permits growth in arthropods, skin renewal in amphibians and reptiles, and the shedding of winter coats in birds and mammals.
	Morphogenesis - The development of the form of an organ, part of the body, or organism.
	Musculoskeletal Development - The morphologic and physiologic change and growth of the MUSCLES, bones (BONE AND BONES), and CARTILAGE of the body, i.e., MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM, during the prenatal and postnatal stages of development.
	Neovascularization, Physiologic - The development of new BLOOD VESSELS in restoration of BLOOD CIRCULATION during the healing process.
	Odontogenesis
	Organogenesis - Formation of differentiated cells and complicated tissue organization to provide specialized functions.
	Sex Differentiation - Differentiation of male and female tissues and organs during embryogenesis, but after sex determination (SEX DETERMINATION (GENETICS)).
	Sex Maturation - Achievement of full sexual capacity. Applies to animals and humans.

Growth and Embryonic Development Medical Definitions and Terms