page_title: Morphokinetics IVF
section_title: Morphology
hierarchical_section_title: Morphokinetics IVF / Morphology
caption_attribution_description: English: A flow chart summarizing the stages in morphology of the embryo
context_page_description: Morphokinetics refers to time specific morphological changes during embryo development providing dynamic information on a fertilized egg. The detailed information eases morphological selection of embryos with high implantation potential to be used in In-Vitro Fertilisation treatment.
context_section_description: Morphology of the embryo is studied in scientific research and often marked by stages.
  For further details of the processes that occur within each stage, see Human embryogenesis.
  1.  Fertilization
  After the egg is fertilized by the sperm, a zygote (single diploid cell) is formed. At this stage, it should have two pronuclei, one of each derived from the egg and the sperm cell respectively and two tiny cells called polar bodies.
  2.  Cleavage
  This begins when the zygote divides into two cells via mitosis. The division continues such that each cell divides into another two cells, which results in a multiplying effect.
  3.   Morula
  The ball of cells formed after the multiple divisions is called a morula. It consists of about 16-32 cells in a ball within a translucent, elastic layer called the zona pellucida. It will then undergo compaction which is a process where the cells bind firmly together and continue to develop into a blastocyst. 
  4.  Blastocyst
  Blastulation is marked by the appearance of a fluid-filled cavity (blastocoel) surrounded by a single layer of cells called the trophectoderm and the inner cell mass. The fetus is developed from the inner cell mass while the placenta is derived from the trophectoderm.
caption: A flow chart summarizing the stages in morphology of the embryo.
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