Visible Embryo Home Page

The Visible Embryo is a visual guide through fetal development from fertilization through pregnancy to birth. As the most profound physiologic changes occur in the "first trimester" of pregnancy, these Carnegie stages are given prominence on the birth spiral.

The shape and location of embryonic
internal structures and how they
relate and are connected to each
other is essential to understanding
human development. Medical
professionals create a mental picture
of this process in order to determine
how well the fetus is progressing. It is
also the basis of knowing how and when
errors in development occur and if a
possibility exists for a corrective
intervention.

It is equally important for expectant
parents to understand the relationship
of these internal structures and how
their infant develops through pregnancy.

Creating the images for The Visible Embryo, included capturing data from slides and three dimensional structures on fetal anatomy in The National Institutes of Health, Carnegie Collection of embryos, as well as from 3D and 4D ultra sound images.

Disclaimer: The Visible Embryo web site is provided for your general information only. The information contained on this site should not be treated as a substitute for medical,legal or other professional advice. Neither is The Visible Embryo responsible or liable for the contents of any websites of third parties which are listed on this site.

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News Alerts Apr 2016 New type of cell death may help neurons regenerate Single-cell embryos can be chimeras Trophoblast cells unlikely entry point for Zika Gene found for cleft palate An overfed fetus can become an overweight teen Three generations affected by one DDT exposure How early female human embryos control X Abnormalities in early embryos may self correct How to prevent asthma in your newborn? Protein on neural stem cell is hijacked by Zika virus Fragile X in mice responds to experimental drug Born to run? Mar 2016 Unraveling stem cells Rewrite the text books! Fetal or placental cells? Precision medicine targets Lupus Cell 'rejuvenation' relies on telomeres PKU effect on brain more extensive than thought A possible treatment for autism-like symptoms Complex learning dismantles barriers in the brain Can we turn off Alzheimer's disease? A new kind of stem cell? Genes can cause neurological diseases Brown fat in adults follows circadian rhythm Mom's bacterial infection can change fetal brain Zika virus breakthrough Lack of stem cells causes recurring miscarriages A first: earliest stages of human stem cell lines One microRNA may affect many neuro disorders Common gene links obesity to diabetes Perception of constant stress is passed on... Snail shells help solve origins of body symmetry Trimmer snips jumping genes Mom's high alcohol level disrupts neonatal brain Amino acids help kids overcome fetal malnutrition Feb 2016 Zika virus linked to stillbirth, loss of brain tissue How to regenerate peripheral nerves How the nervous system trims its branches Teaching stem cells to build muscle 'Pump' mechanism splits DNA for copying by RNA Stressed dads give offspring high blood sugar Cell division errors: infertility, disorders and cancers Copper key to brain cell development Bioelectric signals influence facial symmetry Potential to treat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy Fluorescent proteins light up living cells Tuning the volume on gene expression Linking fetal to adult brain disorders A quick, simple way to generate neural crest cells New drug target for Rett syndrome RNA quick — Protein slow Mitochondria trigger cell aging How to precisely regulate RNA polymerase? New app helps doctors predict preterm birth Found - protein that turns off biological clock Virus in pregnancy causes autism-like behavior Jan 2016 A gene that allows for a new species? 3 Autism-linked molecules wire up neurons Donor's genome impacts iPS cell outcomes What you eat can influence how you sleep Brain receptor regulates fat burning in cells Diverse gut microbes increase infection resistance Zika virus, linked to birth defects, is spreading Eat fish in pregnancy to improve baby's brain Turning epigenetic marks OFF! Cell signal strength turns on early stem cells Slow stem cell division causes small brain? Healing muscular dystrophy with CRISPR Of protein kinases, embryos and cancer Can having more children slow down aging? Uterine microorganisms may set stage for disease A mathematical model for animal stripes Physics attempts to explain why stem cells move Epigenetic change leads to cerebellum circuitry Id tags define developing neural circuits Mechanism for how organs branch found How to multiply teeth! Dec 2015 Increasing IVF cycles increases chances for live birth Make impulsive choices? Blame mom and dad's genes Multilingual babies use more cognitive control How genes link heart and neurodevelopmental disease Messenger RNA may fine tune protein production A major step toward growing kidneys Sperm pass on information about dad's weight Sperm 'see' it hot Human stem cells likely safe for use in regenerative medicine Turning point in a lifetime Antidepressants increase autism risk 87 percent A subtle dance of atoms influences enzymes Molecule stops brain stem cells from becoming tumors Sleep may strengthen our immune system Neuroscientists now can read the mind of a fly CBD in cannabis shows promise for severe epilepsy Four studies explore memory decline with epilepsy 'App' may improve daily function in schizophrenia Hippocampus essential in all aspects of recognition memory Working memory is more complex than we thought The silence of the genes Cells 'reach out' to build trachea How cells in the developing ear 'practice' hearing Nov 2015 Correcting gene error restores brain function Babies have logical reasoning before age one How cells begin to shape a living being Target gene identified to combat muscular dystrophy Turning taste on and off in the brain A master switch for brain development? Targeting Alzheimer's disease through anti-aging Repairing neurons with light Our brain, more than chimp's, influenced by epigenetics Do metabolites regulate embryo development? Working on toddler's memory can help in high school Batten disease may benefit from gene therapy Prenatal blood test increases accuracy - reduces risk A way to target Neuroblastoma What happens if DNA cannot fit into the nucleus? Why some genes are frequently read more than others High stress in pregnancy may decrease baby's survival More precise due dates for average pregnancy? Can amniotic fluid predict time of delivery? Singing calms baby longer than talking Common preservative may increase breast cancer Oct 2015 Antibiotics in children promote weight gain Mom's preeclampsia increases risk to baby's heart The mighty Panoramix — defender of genomes! Splitting embryo to force twins for IVF - not advised Dad's microRNA affects his baby's brain How RNA regulates sex-linked disorders Htt protein controls Rab direction on neurons Regrow a tooth? Fish, yes! Humans, maybe ... Sleep as reward boosts learning Extra male brain cells remember sex more than food Generating placental cells from skin cells The father effect Chromosome errors may explain brain birth defects Gene links chromosome errors to early pregnancy loss A gene that prevents Parkinson's disease and dementia Ovarian transplants appear to be safe and effective Restoring vision using pluripotent stem cells Artificial Intelligence helps predict cancer OB-GYN group urges prevention of chemical exposures Global warming lowers birth weights Kids being kids — make better parents A hormone to break the obesity cycle? Sep 2015 Pass the salt — How pregnancy drives food cravings Mom's protein deficiency affects boys more Do chemicals make us couch potatoes? New CRISPR-Cas9 strategy edits genes 2 ways Depression gene has a silver lining Grieving before conception — risk to infant? Decoding cell division Two genes play major role in growth and cancers The grandmother hypothesis The black box at the beginning of life A new method to turn genes off and on New molecule found to prevent preterm birth What steers evolution? Genes, then nature, then genes.. 3-D printed organoids - first step to building organs Come here, and be quiet! How neurons branch Childhood Vaccination Reduces Leukemia Risk Fats help organize spinal cord 'Brainbow' reveals a surprising visual connection Obesity and stillbirth Arsenic in drinking water links early puberty and obesity Do sperm wield tiny harpoons? Aug 2015 Building a safer stem cell How zebrafish rebuild their amputated fins Batting practice in the genome Algorithm identifies gene movement around the clock About that Paleo diet, eat some carbs! Infertility of middle-aged mice can be reversed Pre-pregnancy factors affect two generations Engineering a solution to genetic diseases Ultrasound has potential to detect preterm labor One protein keeps cells both static and moving! What controls our waking up and going to sleep? How can labor contractions keep growing stronger? Resurrecting ancient viruses to improve gene therapy Skin stem cells coaxed to become Schwann cells How a single genetic mutation can cause autism Surprising light on genetic causes for cerebral palsy Drinking at conception boosts diabetes risk for baby Altered brain growth in autism spectrum disorder Stem cells one step closer to curing genetic disease Simple flip of a genetic switch begins aging Stressed birds stop looking to parents, turn to flock July 2015 'Miniature brains' from skin cells explain autism Birth order not meaningful to personality or IQ Genetic roots of scoliosis Reverse hearing loss? Mind the gap! Bad genes don't always lead to same outcomes How is temperature affecting mammal moms? Sialic acid is key to unlocking brain disorders Metformin does not reduce baby birthweights Binge-eating cavefish share gene mutation with us Hippo dances to hormones How good is your eyesight? CEP63 Gene key to brain development and fertility Geometry of brain’s surface matches gene heritage 'Avandia' to be clinically tested for preeclampsia Determining the front and back of a cell Long-term memory maintained by prion-like proteins Autism affects neural pathways and brain shape Fine tuning the brain REM sleep critical to young brain development Brain size/intelligence controlled by a single gene Stressed moms alter babys' gut and brain Placenta-on-a-chip June 2015 Educate mom, reduce unintended pregnancies Picky eaters — a serious problem for some New Noninvasive and effective Prenatal Testing Strong working memory can reduce teen sex? Gene mutation triggers lymphoblastic leukemia Sun's coronal gases may harm our health Cat videos make you 'feel-good' and boost energy! Humans, we may have a built-in GPS in our nose Low glycemic index diet reduces autism symptoms Common pesticide linked to ADHD — in boys Artificial intelligence regenerates planaria Egg or sperm? That is the question... Mutations can spontaneously occur in early embryos Progeria syndrome truly a disease of aging Infant brains develop faster than we thought The Secret to a Longer Life? Be Female Motherhood permanently alters your brain Genes can predict a woman's first birth Genetic mutation link to autism might be undone Why and how to barcode thousands of cells Clues to how human neurovascular unit forms Mothers coo while fathers say cool May 2015 Supplement may prevent alcohol-related defects Alcohol damage before mom knows of pregnancy Hydrogels boost stem cells to heal brains Mom's obesity compromises infant immune system Risk of preterm delivery for women born preterm Acetaminophen can lower testosterone in fetal boys DNA reveals impact of malnutrition on fetus Taking immortality out of cancer Genome editing could cure sickle cell anemia Brain cells are capable of switching "careers" C-section knocks out infant gut microbiome Placenta protects baby with transporter proteins Shedding new light on reproductive disorders How our brain plugs in vision stabilization How to stop "jumping genes" in stem cells Parent training reduces autism behavioral problems Replace 1 sugar drink a day - cut risk of diabetes Engineering new blood vessels is closer to reality Cell mitochondria are key to stem cell development How come we are warm-blooded? Most People Carry Recessive Disease Mutations April 2015 Link between physical forces and limb deformities Genetics behind fetal overgrowth syndrome found Mitochondrial genes and disease inheritance How young cells learn to communicate How oxytocin makes a mom Stem cell based birth defect can repair facial bones How zinc deficiency affects embryo and adults Found — proteins critical for DNA repair Breast cancer and the fountain of youth Newborn brain is altered by mom's use of cocaine Dad's sperm may hold clues to autism How electrical charges move through DNA When using our brain muddles solving a problem Autism's early 'neighborhood' Food allergies can be transmitted through blood A method for blocking pregnancy loss? Why we are becoming myopic How do lifeforms know how to be the right size? New clues on origin of Hirschsprung's disease About Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Some birth defects due to shattered chromosomes March 2015 Why we need to make neurons from stem cells A link between autism and higher intelligence Solving the "obstetrical dilemma" Inducing pluripotent stem cells to reprogram Radical vaccine against herpes viruses Leukemia cells changed into harmless immune cells Infant leukemia results from one rearranged gene Mom's age at childbirth affects boy baby as adult How dieting and fasting turn off inflammation A mutation that can cause male infertility How to build a gene location APP Bioelectricity key in brain development and repair Low Omega-3 and Vitamin D affects brain serotonin DNA-binding protein critical to normal embryo Developing a sense of taste Mechanical stress is key in cell to cell fusion New hormone mimics the effects of exercise Detecting mutations in IVF embryos Master switch' error causes CHOPS syndrome Epigenome orchestrates embryo development Tobacco smoke and preemies with lung disease Exercise ball decreases labor time and C-sections