EMBRYOLOGY REVISION QUESTIONS
1. Outline stages/phases of mitosis and state key events of each stage
2. Distinguish between the following terms;- spermatocytogenesis; spermiogenesis; spermiation
3. Classify the following types of chromosomal abnormalities (numerical or structural) and give
respective examples
a) Monosomies
b) Deletions
c) Microdeletions
d) Translocations
e) Duplications
f) Trisomies
4. Regarding fertilization describe the following
a) Prerequisites of fertilization
b) Phases of fertilization
c) Immediate results of fertilization
5. Describe phases of the menstrual cycle; state respective changes on the endometrium and identify
underlying hormonal basis
6. Describe development of the trophoblast. (Your description must include cytotrophoblast,
syncitiotrophoblast, primary, secondary and tertiary villi, disappearance of cytotrophoblast, blood
lacunae, spiral arteries, cotyledons, etc)
7. What is the role and normal fate of the primitive streak, describe a congenital anomaly involving it.
8. What role does the notochord play in normal development?
9. Describe the process of neurulation
10. What is the immediate fate of paraxial mesoderm? What are the developmental derivatives of
somites?
11. Briefly describe at least 10 procedures for assessing fetal status
12. What is twin transfusion syndrome?
13. Briefly describe development of the thoracic diaphragm and identify associated congenital
anomalies
14. What are the basic components of a typical pharyngeal arch?
15. Identify the derivatives of the following;
a) 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th pharyngeal pouches
b) 1st pharyngeal cleft and 1st pharyngeal membrane
16. Briefly describe the development of the thyroid gland and state 5 associated congenital anomalies
(with respective embryologic basis).
17. Briefly describe the development of the TONGUE and state 5 associated congenital anomalies (with
respective embryologic basis).
18. What is the embryologic basis of the following congenital anomalies?
a) Unilateral cleft lip and palate
b) Oblique facial cleft
c) Bilateral cleft lip
d) Midline cleft lip
e) Isolated cleft palate