| amniotic ectoderm | Inner layer of the amnion continuous with body ectoderm. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| amniotic fluid | <anatomy, obstetrics> The fluid that surrounds the developing foetus within the amniotic sac. This environment cushions the baby from injury and plays an important role in foetal development. (05 Feb 1998) |
| amniotic fluid embolism | Obstruction and constriction of pulmonary blood vessels by amniotic fluid entering the maternal circulation, causing obstetric shock. See: amniotic fluid syndrome. (05 Mar 2000) |
| amniotic fluid syndrome | <syndrome> Pulmonary embolic phenomena thought to be due to infusion of amniotic fluid containing epithelial squames into maternal blood vessels; shock ensues and sudden death may occur. (05 Mar 2000) |
| amniotic fold | A fold of amniotic membrane enclosing the yolk stalk and extending from the point of insertion of the umbilical cord to the yolk sac; in reptiles and birds it is the reflected edge of the amnion where it folds over to cover the embryo during early development. Synonym: Schultze's fold. (05 Mar 2000) |
| amniotic raphe | The line of fusion of the amniotic folds over the embryo in reptiles, birds, and certain mammals. (05 Mar 2000) |
| amniotic sac | <anatomy, obstetrics> Sac, enclosing the embryo of amniote vertebrates, that provides a fluid environment to prevent dehydration during development of land based animals. See: amnion. (18 Nov 1997) |
| amniotome | An instrument for puncturing the foetal membranes. Origin: amnio-+ G. Tome, cutting (05 Mar 2000) |
| amniotomy | Artificial rupture of the foetal membranes as a means of inducing or expediting labour. (05 Mar 2000) |