Veterinary Embryology,2nd Edition, has been updated to reflect the many changes that have developed in the field; the text has been fully revised and expanded and is now in full colour and many pedagogical features and a companion website have been developed.

A new edition of this highly successful student textbook, updated to reflect the latest developments in the field of embryology, with the inclusion of four new chaptersWritten by a team of authors with extensive experience of teaching this subjectShort concise chapters on key topics describe complex concepts in a user-friendly wayAdditional tables, flow diagrams and numerous hand-drawn illustrations support the concepts presented in the text

Thomas A. McGeadyis former Dean of the Veterinary Faculty at University College Dublin. His academic career was spent in the Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, UCD, where he taught comparative embryology and developmental anatomy to veterinary students. His lectures and class notes provided the basis for many of the chapters in the first edition ofVeterinary Embryology.

P.J. Quinnwas Professor of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology and Head of the Department in the School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, from 1985 to 2002. He is the senior co-author of, amongst others,Veterinary Microbiology and Microbial Disease(2nd edition 2011), andConcise Review of Veterinary Microbiology(2nd edition 2016). He was awarded the title Professor Emeritus by University College Dublin in 2002. In 2006, he was recipient of the Association of Veterinary Teachers and Research Workers outstanding teaching award.

Eamonn S. FitzPatrickis former Chief Technical Officer in the School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Science, and taught veterinary anatomy and histology for over 25 years. He is co-author ofVeterinary Microbiology and Microbial Disease(2nd edition 2011) andConcise Review of Veterinary Microbiology(2nd edition 2016).

Marion T. Ryanis Senior Technical Officer and provides molecular biology support to the School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin. She has published papers in a wide range of peer-reviewed journals encompassing the areas of veterinary and biomedical science education, animal genetics and host/pathogen interactions, having worked in the field of molecular biology and genetics for over 20 years.

David Kilroyis College Lecturer in Veterinary Biosciences in the School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin. He has previously taught anatomy and embryology to students of science and veterinary medicine at the Royal Veterinary College, London. He is co-author ofThe Canine Abdomenfor CLIVE (Computer-aided Learning In Veterinary Education) (2000).

Patrick Lonerganis Professor of Animal Reproduction in the School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin. His main areas of interest are early embryo developmentin vivoandin vitro, embryo-maternal communication and understanding embryo mortality. He has supervised numerous Masters and PhD students and Post-doctoral Fellows. He has a large volume of refereed research publications, recognised by the award of a D.Sc. Degree from National University of Ireland in 2005 and his election to the Royal Irish Academy in 2012. He is former President of the International Embryo Transfer Society, and currently serves on the Editorial Boards of the journalsBiology of ReproductionandReproduction Fertility and Development.

About the authors, vii

Preface, ix

Acknowledgements, xi

About the companion website, xii

1 Historical aspects of embryology, 1

2 Division, growth and differentiation of cells, 13

3 Gametogenesis, 20

4 Fertilisation, 26

5 Cleavage, 33

6 Gastrulation, 39

7 Cell signalling and gene functioning during development, 45

8 Stem cells, 59

9 Establishment of the basic body plan, 67

10 Coelomic cavities, 73

11 Foetal membranes, 81

12 Forms of implantation and placentation, 92

13 Embryo mortality in domestic species, 112

14 Cardiovascular system, 119

15 Embryological and postnatal features of haematopoiesis, 148

16 Nervous system, 167

17 Muscular and skeletal systems, 195

18 Digestive system, 214

19 Respiratory system, 232

20 Urinary system, 240

21 Male and female reproductive systems, 251

22 Structures in the head and neck, 274

23 Endocrine system, 289

24 Eye and ear, 298

25 Integumentary system, 314

26 Age determination of the embryo and foetus, 331

27 Assisted reproductive technologies used in domestic species, 338

28 Genetic, chromosomal and environmental factors which

adversely affect prenatal development, 351

Glossary, 371

Useful websites, 377

Index, 379