During this relatively short embryonic period (weeks 4 to 8), one sees the beginnings of all major internal and external structural (organ and organ systems) develop during which time the 3 germ layers give rise to specific tissues and organs – the period of organogenesis. The shape of the embryo changes, and major features of the external body form (morphogenesis) become recognizable by the end of month 2. In addition, major congenital malformations can occur due to exposure of the embryo to teratogens during this developmental period.
Week 4 of development
◦ABOUT DAYS 22 TO 23: embryo is almost straight or slightly curved, and somites create conspicuous surface elevations. The neural tube is closed opposite the somites but is open at its caudal and rostral neuropores
◦ABOUT DAY 24: the first (mandibular) and second (hyoid) branchial arches become distinct
- Most of the mandibular process of the first arch gives rise to the lower jaw and a rostral extension of it; the maxillary process helps form the upper jaw
- Head- and tailfolds cause a slight curvature of the embryo
- The heart produces a large ventral prominence
◦ABOUT DAY 26: 3 pairs of branchial arches are seen and the rostral neuropore closes
- The forebrain creates a distinct elevation on the head and, with longitudinal folding, the embryo now has a distinct C-shaped curvature to it
- Transverse folding causes a narrowing of the connection between yolk sac and embryo
- The arm buds are now recognizable as small swellings on the body wall’s ventral surface
- The otic pits, the primordia for the inner ears, are clearly seen
◦ABOUT DAY 28 (END OF WEEK 4): the fourth pair of branchial arches and the leg buds are seen
- The lens placodes (ectodermal thickenings) represent the future lenses on the side of the head
Week 5 of development
There are fewer body form changes this week
◦HEAD GROWTH is accelerated as a result of rapid brain development
- The face contacts the heart prominence
- The second (hyoid) branchial arch overgrows arches 3 and 4 to form an ectodermal depression, the cervical sinus
- The forelimbs show some regional differentiation as the hand plates develop
Week 6 of development
1. LIMB BUDS, especially the forelimbs, show regional differentiation. Hind limbs develop later
- Elbow and wrist areas are identifiable
- Paddle-shaped hand plates develop digital ridges, the finger rays, for future fingers
2. SOME SMALL SWELLINGS appear around the groove between the first branchial arches. The groove becomes the external auditory meatus, the swellings the ear auricle
3. THE EYE becomes obvious due to appearance of retinal pigment
4. THE HEAD appears larger relative to the trunk and bends even farther over the heart prominence
- Bending is due to the cervical flexure as a result of bending of the brain in the cervical region
- The trunk and neck begin to straighten out
5. SOMITES are visible in the lumbosacral region by the middle of this week