Embryo 51 Day Old Liver and Nervous System

Computer Generated Image from Micro-MRI, actual size of embryo = 18.0 mm - This image presents a left-sided view of the embryo during the eighth week of embryonic development, the age being calculated from the day of fertilization. The three major, differentiated components of the brain can be seen, with the forebrain protruding downwards, the midbrain as the narrow part of the brain, and the hindbrain that connects with the spinal cord. The light pink ring-like structure in the facial region is the developing eye, the rings highlighting eyelid formation. The larger groove with a black hole in the middle represents the growing external ear, the ring-like appearance indicating the auricle of the external ear. The hand plate has a web-like appearance as the digital rays slowly become more distinguishable from one another. The foot plate has the digital rays, but remains less distinguished than the hand plate. It typically develops a few days after the hand plate. The large red organ protruding is the liver. As well, the red tube-like structure near the foot of the embryo indicates the umbilical cord, which provides a means of transporting nutrients and wastes between mother and embryo.

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anatomy,