Integrated Human Embryology

This edition covers the embryology since the preparation of fertilizing cells in spermatogenesis and the menstrual cycle; fertilization and implantation; including the first weeks of development, placenta development, basic principles of neonatal physiology and adaptation; up to the basics of congenital anomalies and prenatal diagnosis. In the same manner, this text integrates the concepts of molecular induction in human embryology, congenital anomalies and prenatal/postnatal diagnosis. Thus, easing the understanding of complex embryological processes for the medical students in their comprehension of the relation between molecules, embryology processes, organs and systems formation and physiology. Knowledge also valuable for obstetrics/gynecology and pediatrics residents and specialist, that frequently face patients with congenital anomalies found via in utero ultrasound or in extrauterine life, creating the need of analyzing which processes failed and caused the anomalies during fetal development. This edition of the book Integrated human embryology contains more than 150 improved figures and about 50 new ones. An extra chapter about prenatal diagnosis was also added, this chapter includes updated cell-free fetal DNA concepts regarding the detection of chromosomal abnormalities. Therefore, this edition achieves the integration of different processes of human development, while using illustrative figures that ease embryology and its clinical application.