Division, growth and differentiation of cells The cell cycle Mitosis Meiosis Gametogenesis Spermatogenesis Oogenesis Fertilisation Capacitation Cellular events in the process of fertilisation Barriers to polyspermy Ovum activation In vitro fertilisation Comparative fertilisation rates Sex determination Parthenogenesis Sex ratio Chromosomes of domestic animals Cleavage Cleavage in primitive chordates, amphibians, avian species and mammals Stem cells Gastrulation Primitive chordates Amphibians Avian species Mammals Establishment of left–right symmetry in vertebrates Twinning Aspects of cell signalling and gene functioning during development Cellular messengers and receptors Types of signalling Induction and competence Paracrine signalling during development Apoptosis Morphogens Differentiation Gene structure and organisation X-chromosome inactivation 2DNA methylation and parental imprinting in mammals Promoters, enhancers and silencers Transcription factors Gene systems essential for development Experimental measurement of gene expression Experimental evaluation of gene function Concluding comments Establishment of the basic body plan Coelomic cavities Pleural and pericardial cavities Diaphragm Peritoneal cavity Omenta Foetal membranes Development of the foetal membranes Birds Mammals Forms of implantation and placentation Implantation Placentation in mammals Functional aspects of the placenta Cardiovascular system Development of the cardiac tubes Molecular aspects of cardiac development Formation of the cardiac chambers Conducting system of the heart Developmental anomalies of the cardiovascular system Embryological and post-natal features of haematopoiesis Embryological aspects of haematopoiesis Cell differentiation and maturation during haematopoiesis Stem cells in human adults and mature animals Immunodeficiency Inherited defects in natural immunity Nervous system Dorsal–ventral patterning of the neural tube Neural crest Differentiation of the cellular components of the neural tube Spinal nerves Myelination of peripheral nerve fibres Changes in the relative positions of the spinal cord and the developing vertebral column Anomalies of the spinal cord Differentiation of the brain sub-divisions Ventricular system of the brain and cerebrospinal fluid circulation Molecular aspects of brain development Brain anomalies Brain stem and spinal cord Cranial nerves Peripheral nervous system Autonomic nervous system Enteric nervous system Meninges Muscular and skeletal systems Differentiation of somites Muscular system Skeletal muscle Cytodifferentiation of muscle Skeletal system Skeletal anomalies Digestive system Molecular regulation of alimentary tract development Oesophagus Stomach Liver Pancreas Spleen Development and rotation of the intestines in domestic animals Comparative features of the intestines Hindgut Developmental anomalies of the alimentary tract Respiratory system Formation of the larynx Trachea, bronchi and lungs Molecular aspects of respiratory development Anomalies of the respiratory system Urinary system Kidney Molecular basis of metanephros development Unilobar kidneys Multilobar kidneys Bladder Developmental anomalies of the urinary system Male and female reproductive systems Primordial germ cells Undifferentiated stage of gonad formation Differentiation and maturation of the testes Differentiation and maturation of the ovaries Features of equine gonadal development Genital ducts Formation of the genital fold External genitalia Factors which influence sexual differentiation in mammals Sex determination Molecular aspects of gonadogenesis Influence of hormones on development of genital ducts and external genitalia Sexual differentiation, associated brain function and subsequent sexual behaviour at puberty Anomalies of sexual development Descent of the testes Ovarian migration Cryptorchidism Development of the mammary gland Comparative features of mammary gland development in domestic animals Structures in the head and neck Pharyngeal region Derivatives of the pharyngeal apparatus Face Nasal cavities Oral cavity Tongue Salivary glands Teeth Comparative aspects of dentition Molecular aspects of tooth development Development of the skull Congenital malformations of face and oral cavity Endocrine system Pituitary gland Pineal gland Adrenal glands Thyroid gland Parathyroid glands Thymus Pancreatic islets Eye and ear Eye Ear Integumentary system Epidermis Dermis Hypodermis Hair Mammalian skin glands Avian skin Congenital and inherited defects of the skin Hooves and claws Horns and related structures Age determination of the embryo and foetus Genetic, chromosomal and environmental factors which adversely affect pre-natal evelopment Mutations Chromosomal abnormalities Teratogens Therapeutic drugs and chemicals Cytotoxic drugs used for treating neoplastic diseases Poisonous plants Infectious agents Assessing the aetiology of congenital disease