Amnion Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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amnion
[ËĂŚm.ni.Én ]
Definition
anatomy biology
The amnion is a thin but tough sac that surrounds a developing embryo in amniotes. It is filled with amniotic fluid, which helps to protect the embryo from physical shocks and maintains a stable temperature. The amnion plays a crucial role in the development of the fetus during pregnancy.
Synonyms
amnionic sac, embryonic membrane.
Examples of usage
- The amnion provides a protective cushioning for the fetus.
- Amniocentesis involves sampling amniotic fluid from the amnion.
- The rupture of the amnion can indicate the onset of labor.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Biology
- The amnion is part of a structure called the amniotic sac, which includes fluid to cushion and protect the developing baby.
- Amniotic fluid plays a crucial role in regulating temperature and providing a safe space for movement, helping the baby develop properly.
Obstetrics
- Amniocentesis, a medical procedure, involves taking a sample of the amniotic fluid for testing to check for genetic disorders.
- Doctors often monitor the amount of amniotic fluid during pregnancy, as too little or too much can lead to complications.
Culture
- In various cultures, the breaking of the amniotic sac at birth is sometimes called 'the water breaking,' which is a pivotal event in childbirth.
- The use of the term 'waters' in some birth traditions refers to this fluid, highlighting its importance in gestation.
Comparative Anatomy
- Different animals, including reptiles and birds, also have their own forms of the amnion, showcasing its evolutionary significance.
- The presence of the amnion allows for a more complex development process in higher vertebrates compared to those without it.
Origin of 'amnion'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'amnion' comes from the Greek word 'amnion,' which means 'sac' or 'bag.'
- Ancient Greeks used the term to describe the protective membranes surrounding a fetus in the womb.
The term 'amnion' has its roots in the Ancient Greek word 'amnos,' which means 'lamb.' The connection to lambs derives from the observation of the protective membranes surrounding the embryos of various animals, often lambs, in the womb. The word passed into Latin as 'amnion,' which was used in medical texts to describe the membrane in the sac surrounding the developing fetus. Over the centuries, the understanding of the amnion has expanded, particularly with advances in embryology and fetal development studies. The amnion is a defining characteristic of amniotes, a clade comprising reptiles, birds, and mammals, which is distinguished by the presence of this protective membrane during embryonic development.