Pathology Portal

Reproductive Science - Clinical Embryology images of human preimplantation embryos - 4-cell embryo

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This image of a four-cell human preimplantation was taken on Day 2 of development during routine IVF treatment. You can see that this embryo originated from conventional IVF treatment, as there are several sperm cells on the outer shell, wich is called a zona pellucida. These sperm did not achieve fertilisation as the oocyte only let in one sperm before putting up a "block" to prevent further entry.

A good quality four-cell embryo has equal sized cells (known as blastomeres). These form a tetrahedral shape.

During the first three days of preimplantation embryo development, the blastomeres are distinct cells and can easlly be counted and graded by a clinical embryologist.

Resource details

Contributed by: Pathology Portal
Authored by: Bryan Woodward, X and Y Fertility, Reproductive Scientist
Catherine Reynolds, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Reproductive Scientist
Licence: © All rights reserved More information on licences
Last updated: 12 July 2023
First contributed: 15 April 2023
Audience access level: Full user

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