embryonic membrane

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One of the membranous structures which surround the embryo during its developmental period. Since such membranes are external to the embryo proper, they are called extraembryonic membranes. They function in the embryo's protection, nutrition, respiration, and excretion.

There are four fetal membranes—the amnion, chorion, yolk sac, and allantois. In the course of development, the chorion becomes the outermost, and the amnion the innermost, membrane surrounding the developing embryo. As the allantois increases in size, it expands and becomes closely associated, if not fused, with the chorion. The two membranes together are known as the chorioallantoic membrane.

The amniotic cavity within which the embryo is enclosed becomes filled with an aqueous fluid which gives osmotic and physical protection to the embryo during the remainder of its fetal existence. Smooth muscle fibers in the amnion spontaneously contract and gently rock the embryo before it develops the capacity for spontaneous movement.

As the stored nutrients of the yolk are depleted during development, the yolk sac gradually decreases in size and is eventually incorporated into the midgut of the embryo. The yolk sac in the nonyolky eggs of placental mammals is vestigial. It has evolutionary but essentially no functional significance.

At the time of birth or hatching, the embryo becomes completely separated from the amnion and chorion and from the major portion of the allantois. The proximal portion of the latter remains within the embryo, however, as the urinary bladder. See also Allantois; Amnion; Chorion; Yolk sac.

A structure or tissue, such as the chorion, amnion, and allantois, developed from the fertilized ovum but not part of the embryo proper. Also called embryonic membrane.