Human embryology

wanat1110  2020-2021  Bruxelles Woluwe

Human embryology
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information below is subject to change, in particular that concerning the teaching mode (presential, distance or in a comodal or hybrid format).
3 credits
30.0 h
Q2
Teacher(s)
Clotman Frédéric; De Smet Charles (coordinator); Pierreux Christophe;
Language
French
Prerequisites

The prerequisite(s) for this Teaching Unit (Unité d’enseignement – UE) for the programmes/courses that offer this Teaching Unit are specified at the end of this sheet.
Main themes
The following sequence is followed in order to meet the aims above. A first chapter is mostly a reminder of basic concepts of genetics, gametogenesis, reproductive biology and fertilization, as they pertain to embryology. This is followed by a time series of human embryonic, fetal and placental development. Techniques of in vitro fertilization and transgenesis are briefly considered at that stage. Focus is laid on morphological aspects and molecular mechanisms are considered only in a few selected illustrative cases. In a second part, the development of all main anatomical systems is considered, with specific emphasis on the main organs and those with a particularly complex developmental pattern such as the craniofacial and nervous systems. Exemples of teratogenesis and developmental pathologies are used as illustrations.
Aims

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

1 The aim is to provide the student with a solid basic knowledge of human embryology, including early development and organogenesis, as well as an introduction to diseases of development and to modern technologies that are partly based on the embryonic development of man and some animals, particularly rodents.
 
Content
(I) The first part of the course, called "General Embryology", begins with a thorough description of gametogenesis. The rest of the course explores early embryonic development, from fertilization to gastrulation. The focus will be on the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms, and on illustrating some examples of experimental embryology. In vitro fertilization and transgenesis technologies will be discussed in this section.
(II) The second part of the course, called "Special Embryology" will address the development of specific anatomical systems: a) development of the musculoskeletal system; b) development of the cardiovascular system; (c) development of the digestive system; d) development of the genitourinary system; e) Cervico-cephalic development; f) development of the nervous system and sense organs. Some selected examples of molecular biology of development, physiopathology, teratology and clinical applications will be introduced in the various chapters.
Evaluation methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

The assessment is conducted in the form of a written examination.
Online resources
A course website is available via the moodle platform.
Teaching materials
  • Les diaporamas du cours (disponible via moodle)
  • Un syllabus pour la partie I du cours (via moodle)
Faculty or entity
MED


Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Aims
Bachelor in Biomedicine
3
WMD1120 AND WFARM1009 AND WMD1006