Four-cell embryo. Image 3 of 4. Light micrograph of the cells (blastomeres) of a 4-cell human emb- ryo two days after in vitro fertilisation (IVF). In
Four-cell embryo. Image 3 of 4. Light micrograph of the cells (blastomeres) of a 4-cell human emb- ryo two days after in vitro fertilisation (IVF). In IVF, sperm is introduced to the egg in the laboratory. An envelope (zona pellucida) is seen around the embryo. 4-cell embryos are checked to ensure they are suitable for implantation into the uterus. Cytoplasmic fragments may be left around the cells (inside the zona pellucida) by cell divisions, which decreases the embryo's chances of survival. This embryo has a many fragments (small rounded areas) around it, and will be discarded. See images P680/488-491 for embryos with successi- vely more fragments. Magnification unknown.
Size: 4732px × 3265px
Photo credit: © PASCAL GOETGHELUCK/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: -, -cell, 4-cell, aborted, biological, biology, blastomere, body, development, developmental, embryo, embryogenesis, embryology, embryonic, fertilisation, healthy, human, ivf, light, micrograph, multicellular, normal, pellucida, reproduction, stage, vitro, zona
