Gametogenesis involves the polarization and differentiation of germ cells into sperm and eggs. During fertilization, the sperm and egg membranes fuse, allowing the sperm and egg nuclei to unite. This initiates the development of a new individual with a unique genetic makeup.
The Next Very BIG (small) Thing
Contents:
Introduction to Nanotechnology
Applications In Today's Life
Advantages & Disadvantages
Future Of Nanotechnoogy
The technologies and people we are designing experiences for are constantly changing, in most cases they are changing at a rate that is difficult keep up with. When we think about how our teams are structured and the design processes we use in light of this challenge, a new design problem (or problem space) emerges, one that requires us to focus inward. How do we structure our teams and processes to be resilient? What would happen if we looked at our teams and design process as IA’s, Designers, Researchers? What strategies would we put in place to help them be successful? This talk will look at challenges we face leading, supporting, or simply being a part of design teams creating experiences for user groups with changing technological needs.
Evolutionary bio essay for final
Statement Of Purpose For Molecular Biology
The Bioecological Model of Human Development
Essay On Biotechnology
Biology Is The Science Of Life
Ap Biology Reflection
Why I Chose Biology
Bio 101 Essay
Biofuels Essay
Bio Ethics
Evolutionary Biology Essay
Biological Aspects Of Biological Anthropology
Reflection Paper On Bioethics
BioEthics Essay example
Bio Engineered Foods Essay
Biotechnology Essay
The Biopsychosocial Model
Biology : A Career In The Career Of Biology
The Biopsychosocial Model Essay
My Biography Essay
Running head DETOXIFICATION FROM ALCOHOL AND OPIATES 1.docxsusanschei
Running head: DETOXIFICATION FROM ALCOHOL AND OPIATES 1
5
DETOXIFICATION FROM ALCOHOL AND OPIATES
Research Paper Outline: Detoxification from Alcohol and Opiates
Grand Canyon University: PCN-527-0500
December 06, 2017
I. BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DRUG
A. History of Alcohol
B. History of Opiates
II. PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY OF THE DRUG
A. Psychopharmacology of Alcohol
1. Effects of alcohol on mood
2. Effects of alcohol on thinking
3. Effects of alcohol on behavior
4. Effects of alcohol on sensation
B. Psychopharmacology of Opiates
1. Effects of alcohol on mood
2. Effects of alcohol on thinking
3. Effects of alcohol on behavior
4. Effects of alcohol on sensation
III. CURRENT TRENDS OF ISSUES
A. Current trends of issues of alcohol
1. Alcohol addiction
2. Binge drinking
3. Addiction
4. Physical symptom of withdrawal
5. Treatment
B. Current trends or issues of opiates
1. Types of opiates
2. Addiction
3. Physical symptoms of withdrawal
4. Treatment
IV. SOCIETAL CONCERNS OR ISSUES RELATED TO THE TOPIC
A. Stigma of being an alcoholic
1. Physical symptoms
2. Disruption in functioning
3. Other’s perceptions of addiction
B. Stigma of being addicted to opiates
1. Physical Symptoms
2. Disruption in functioning
3. Other’s perception of addiction
V. SIGNIFICANCE OR RELEVANCE ON THE COUNSELING PROFESSION
A. Relevance of alcohol addiction and treatment on the counseling profession
1. Different option for treatment
2. Treatment after detoxification
B. Relevance of opiate addiction and treatment on the counseling profession
1. Different option for treatment
2. Treatment after detoxification
VI. ANY FUTURE IMPLICATIONS
A. Future implications of alcohol detoxification
B. Future implications of opiate detoxification
References
Carlebach, S., Wake, D., & Hamilton, S. (2011). Experiences of home detoxification for alcohol
dependency. Nursing Standard, 26(10), 41-47.
Green, L., & Gossop, M. (1988). Effects of information on the opiate withdrawal syndrome. British Journal Of Addiction, 83(3), 305-309. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.1988.tb00472.x
Ison, J., Day, E., Fisher, K., Pratt, M., Hull, M., & Copello, A. (2006). Self-detoxification from
opioid drugs. Journal Of Substance Use, 11(2), 81-88. doi:10.1080/14659890500143697
Masson, C. L., Barnett, P. G., Sees, K. L., Delucchi, K. L., Rosen, A., Wong, W., & Hall, S. M. (2004). Cost and cost-effectiveness of standard methadone maintenance treatment compared to enriched 180-day methadone detoxification. Addiction, 99(6), 718-726. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.2004.00728.x
Perdomo Gutiérrez, R. E. (2011). Clinical case of rapid opiate detoxification under anesthesia. Anestesia Pediatrica E Neonatale, 9(1), 1-10.
Van den Berg, J. F., Van den Brink, W., Kist, N., Hermes, J. J., & Kok, R. M. (2015). Social
factors and readmission after inpatient detoxification in older alcohol-dependent patients.
The American Journal On Addictions, (7), 661. doi:10.1111/ajad.12287
Wulffson, R. M. (2014). Detoxifi ...
Child Development in the Broader Context of Developmental Science.docxbissacr
Child Development in the Broader Context of Developmental Science
Child development is one aspect of the broader, interdisciplinary field of developmental science, which includes the entire lifespan. Researchers in the area of child development typically divide these initial years into five age periods encompassing conception through adolescence.
PRENATAL PERIOD
INFANCY AND TODDLERHOOD
EARLY CHILDHOOD PERIOD
MIDDLE CHILDHOOD PERIOD
ADOLESCENT PERIOD
Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory
Does society or culture have an impact on child development? Of course! Each individual has a different religious, ethnic, and economic background. Since all of those factors influence our development, there has been a rise in research studies that address the cultural context of children’s lives. Researchers are examining the effect of culturally specific beliefs and practices on development.
Sociocultural theory, developed by Lev Vygotsky, focuses on how culture is transmitted to the next generation. Vygotsky believed that social interaction with more knowledgeable members of society is necessary for children to develop the ways of thinking and behaving that comprise a community’s culture. He saw cognitive development as a socially mediated process in which children depend on assistance from peers and adults as they take on new challenges. One additional discovery of cross-cultural research is that each individual culture may emphasize different tasks for childr
Ecological Systems Theory
Urie Bronfenbrenner (1917–2005) posited that our environment, consisting of our home, school, neighborhood, and beyond, is a series of structures that form a system. Each layer of that system interacts with the others and has a powerful impact on development. According to Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, children develop within this complex system of relationships and are affected by multiple levels of the surrounding environment.
MICROSYSTEM
MESOSYSTEM
EXOSYSTEM
MACROSYSTEM
CHRONOSYSTEM
An Illustration of Ecological Systems Theory: The Transition to Siblinghood
The early weeks after a new baby enters the family are full of profound changes. While the arrival of a newborn sibling is a normative life event for many children, the transition to siblinghood can result in a mixture of positive and negative emotions. Some children welcome the new arrival, while others experience a developmental setback in a specific area like toilet training. Volling (2005) provides a developmental ecological systems approach to examine changes in both child and family functioning that occur with the birth of a new baby.
‹ 1/5 ›
Significant changes occur within the immediate family (microsystem). Because the mother may spend most of the early weeks after the birth caring for the newborn, the quality of the father–child relationship may be particularly important for sibling adjustment.
Development as a Dynamic System
According to a theory known as dynamic systems perspective, a child.
Every human has organs that have similar function in reproduction. These organs combined together to form reproductive systems. For effective functions to be achieved, they must be maintained adequately.
The reproductive organs are one of the most sensitive organs of the human body and proper care has to be taken in order to
protect oneself from the suffering caused by the various reproductive issues, and also to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) to come close. Taking proper care of the
reproductive health is needed in order to have a safe and satisfying sexual life. It is also a necessity for having healthy children.
Reproductive health is important for psychological well-being in addition to its physical necessities. It is very important for
safe sexual reproduction that can be defined as the natural way of producing the young ones, where two parental organisms are
involved in a course of events. Organisms that undergo sexual reproduction include humans, birds, reptiles, animals, insects as well as plants.
Reproductive health ensures that people can have a satisfying and safe sex life, they are capable of reproducing and have the
freedom to make a decision regarding when and how often to perform it. Male reproductive health, as well as, female reproductive health are important aspects of the overall
reproductive system as both are equally important to create a new organism Reproductive health also deals to prevent themselves from getting any sexually transmitted diseases or infections (STDs or
STIs). STDs (or STIs) are diseases that are mainly spread by sexual intercourse and these diseases can be seriously dangerous as a cure to some of them had not been found ye.
The importance of reproductive health is for a healthy state ofphysical and mental conditions in the human body where the proper functioning of reproductive organs takes place. All phases of reproduction can take place safely when reproductive health is well taken care of. And it ultimately results in the
formation of new offspring or a whole new organism.
The three components of reproductive health are - family planning, sexual health, and maternal health.
This book is a manual for students in health sciences and biological sciences who need a simplified, but comprehensive guide on reproductive system, family planning and
reproductive health. The author of this book used both scientific and medical approaches to discuss all the parameters necessary for the understanding of these subjects.
It is worthy of acceptance that the subjects in this book are not new because many researchers and authors have written on
them, but most of their books are not readily understood by many students and readers due to the voracious approaches, hence the birth of this book in a simplified way to meet the
students and readers need was necessary.
Also, just as these subjects are not new, the author employed and built his writing from other authors.
The Next Very BIG (small) Thing
Contents:
Introduction to Nanotechnology
Applications In Today's Life
Advantages & Disadvantages
Future Of Nanotechnoogy
The technologies and people we are designing experiences for are constantly changing, in most cases they are changing at a rate that is difficult keep up with. When we think about how our teams are structured and the design processes we use in light of this challenge, a new design problem (or problem space) emerges, one that requires us to focus inward. How do we structure our teams and processes to be resilient? What would happen if we looked at our teams and design process as IA’s, Designers, Researchers? What strategies would we put in place to help them be successful? This talk will look at challenges we face leading, supporting, or simply being a part of design teams creating experiences for user groups with changing technological needs.
Evolutionary bio essay for final
Statement Of Purpose For Molecular Biology
The Bioecological Model of Human Development
Essay On Biotechnology
Biology Is The Science Of Life
Ap Biology Reflection
Why I Chose Biology
Bio 101 Essay
Biofuels Essay
Bio Ethics
Evolutionary Biology Essay
Biological Aspects Of Biological Anthropology
Reflection Paper On Bioethics
BioEthics Essay example
Bio Engineered Foods Essay
Biotechnology Essay
The Biopsychosocial Model
Biology : A Career In The Career Of Biology
The Biopsychosocial Model Essay
My Biography Essay
Running head DETOXIFICATION FROM ALCOHOL AND OPIATES 1.docxsusanschei
Running head: DETOXIFICATION FROM ALCOHOL AND OPIATES 1
5
DETOXIFICATION FROM ALCOHOL AND OPIATES
Research Paper Outline: Detoxification from Alcohol and Opiates
Grand Canyon University: PCN-527-0500
December 06, 2017
I. BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DRUG
A. History of Alcohol
B. History of Opiates
II. PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY OF THE DRUG
A. Psychopharmacology of Alcohol
1. Effects of alcohol on mood
2. Effects of alcohol on thinking
3. Effects of alcohol on behavior
4. Effects of alcohol on sensation
B. Psychopharmacology of Opiates
1. Effects of alcohol on mood
2. Effects of alcohol on thinking
3. Effects of alcohol on behavior
4. Effects of alcohol on sensation
III. CURRENT TRENDS OF ISSUES
A. Current trends of issues of alcohol
1. Alcohol addiction
2. Binge drinking
3. Addiction
4. Physical symptom of withdrawal
5. Treatment
B. Current trends or issues of opiates
1. Types of opiates
2. Addiction
3. Physical symptoms of withdrawal
4. Treatment
IV. SOCIETAL CONCERNS OR ISSUES RELATED TO THE TOPIC
A. Stigma of being an alcoholic
1. Physical symptoms
2. Disruption in functioning
3. Other’s perceptions of addiction
B. Stigma of being addicted to opiates
1. Physical Symptoms
2. Disruption in functioning
3. Other’s perception of addiction
V. SIGNIFICANCE OR RELEVANCE ON THE COUNSELING PROFESSION
A. Relevance of alcohol addiction and treatment on the counseling profession
1. Different option for treatment
2. Treatment after detoxification
B. Relevance of opiate addiction and treatment on the counseling profession
1. Different option for treatment
2. Treatment after detoxification
VI. ANY FUTURE IMPLICATIONS
A. Future implications of alcohol detoxification
B. Future implications of opiate detoxification
References
Carlebach, S., Wake, D., & Hamilton, S. (2011). Experiences of home detoxification for alcohol
dependency. Nursing Standard, 26(10), 41-47.
Green, L., & Gossop, M. (1988). Effects of information on the opiate withdrawal syndrome. British Journal Of Addiction, 83(3), 305-309. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.1988.tb00472.x
Ison, J., Day, E., Fisher, K., Pratt, M., Hull, M., & Copello, A. (2006). Self-detoxification from
opioid drugs. Journal Of Substance Use, 11(2), 81-88. doi:10.1080/14659890500143697
Masson, C. L., Barnett, P. G., Sees, K. L., Delucchi, K. L., Rosen, A., Wong, W., & Hall, S. M. (2004). Cost and cost-effectiveness of standard methadone maintenance treatment compared to enriched 180-day methadone detoxification. Addiction, 99(6), 718-726. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.2004.00728.x
Perdomo Gutiérrez, R. E. (2011). Clinical case of rapid opiate detoxification under anesthesia. Anestesia Pediatrica E Neonatale, 9(1), 1-10.
Van den Berg, J. F., Van den Brink, W., Kist, N., Hermes, J. J., & Kok, R. M. (2015). Social
factors and readmission after inpatient detoxification in older alcohol-dependent patients.
The American Journal On Addictions, (7), 661. doi:10.1111/ajad.12287
Wulffson, R. M. (2014). Detoxifi ...
Child Development in the Broader Context of Developmental Science.docxbissacr
Child Development in the Broader Context of Developmental Science
Child development is one aspect of the broader, interdisciplinary field of developmental science, which includes the entire lifespan. Researchers in the area of child development typically divide these initial years into five age periods encompassing conception through adolescence.
PRENATAL PERIOD
INFANCY AND TODDLERHOOD
EARLY CHILDHOOD PERIOD
MIDDLE CHILDHOOD PERIOD
ADOLESCENT PERIOD
Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory
Does society or culture have an impact on child development? Of course! Each individual has a different religious, ethnic, and economic background. Since all of those factors influence our development, there has been a rise in research studies that address the cultural context of children’s lives. Researchers are examining the effect of culturally specific beliefs and practices on development.
Sociocultural theory, developed by Lev Vygotsky, focuses on how culture is transmitted to the next generation. Vygotsky believed that social interaction with more knowledgeable members of society is necessary for children to develop the ways of thinking and behaving that comprise a community’s culture. He saw cognitive development as a socially mediated process in which children depend on assistance from peers and adults as they take on new challenges. One additional discovery of cross-cultural research is that each individual culture may emphasize different tasks for childr
Ecological Systems Theory
Urie Bronfenbrenner (1917–2005) posited that our environment, consisting of our home, school, neighborhood, and beyond, is a series of structures that form a system. Each layer of that system interacts with the others and has a powerful impact on development. According to Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, children develop within this complex system of relationships and are affected by multiple levels of the surrounding environment.
MICROSYSTEM
MESOSYSTEM
EXOSYSTEM
MACROSYSTEM
CHRONOSYSTEM
An Illustration of Ecological Systems Theory: The Transition to Siblinghood
The early weeks after a new baby enters the family are full of profound changes. While the arrival of a newborn sibling is a normative life event for many children, the transition to siblinghood can result in a mixture of positive and negative emotions. Some children welcome the new arrival, while others experience a developmental setback in a specific area like toilet training. Volling (2005) provides a developmental ecological systems approach to examine changes in both child and family functioning that occur with the birth of a new baby.
‹ 1/5 ›
Significant changes occur within the immediate family (microsystem). Because the mother may spend most of the early weeks after the birth caring for the newborn, the quality of the father–child relationship may be particularly important for sibling adjustment.
Development as a Dynamic System
According to a theory known as dynamic systems perspective, a child.
Every human has organs that have similar function in reproduction. These organs combined together to form reproductive systems. For effective functions to be achieved, they must be maintained adequately.
The reproductive organs are one of the most sensitive organs of the human body and proper care has to be taken in order to
protect oneself from the suffering caused by the various reproductive issues, and also to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) to come close. Taking proper care of the
reproductive health is needed in order to have a safe and satisfying sexual life. It is also a necessity for having healthy children.
Reproductive health is important for psychological well-being in addition to its physical necessities. It is very important for
safe sexual reproduction that can be defined as the natural way of producing the young ones, where two parental organisms are
involved in a course of events. Organisms that undergo sexual reproduction include humans, birds, reptiles, animals, insects as well as plants.
Reproductive health ensures that people can have a satisfying and safe sex life, they are capable of reproducing and have the
freedom to make a decision regarding when and how often to perform it. Male reproductive health, as well as, female reproductive health are important aspects of the overall
reproductive system as both are equally important to create a new organism Reproductive health also deals to prevent themselves from getting any sexually transmitted diseases or infections (STDs or
STIs). STDs (or STIs) are diseases that are mainly spread by sexual intercourse and these diseases can be seriously dangerous as a cure to some of them had not been found ye.
The importance of reproductive health is for a healthy state ofphysical and mental conditions in the human body where the proper functioning of reproductive organs takes place. All phases of reproduction can take place safely when reproductive health is well taken care of. And it ultimately results in the
formation of new offspring or a whole new organism.
The three components of reproductive health are - family planning, sexual health, and maternal health.
This book is a manual for students in health sciences and biological sciences who need a simplified, but comprehensive guide on reproductive system, family planning and
reproductive health. The author of this book used both scientific and medical approaches to discuss all the parameters necessary for the understanding of these subjects.
It is worthy of acceptance that the subjects in this book are not new because many researchers and authors have written on
them, but most of their books are not readily understood by many students and readers due to the voracious approaches, hence the birth of this book in a simplified way to meet the
students and readers need was necessary.
Also, just as these subjects are not new, the author employed and built his writing from other authors.
Kosovo is moving forward with a keen interest in early childhood. This report
presents the findings of an analytical study of the programs and policies in Kosovo
that directly or indirectly impact the lives of young children and families. The purpose
of this report is to suggest a set of Early Childhood Development (ECD) program and
policy recommendations for Kosovo.
Background paper prepared foEducation for All Global Mo.docxaryan532920
Background paper prepared fo
Education for All Global Monitoring
Strong foundations: early childhood ca
Changing perspectives
childhood: theory, researc
Martin Woodhead
2006
This paper was commissioned by the Education for All G
background information to assist in drafting the 2007 rep
the team. The views and opinions expressed in this pap
and should not be attributed to the EFA Global Monito
The papers can be cited with the following reference: “
EFA Global Monitoring Report 2007, Strong foundation
education”. For further information, please contact efare
2007/ED/EFA/MRT/PI/33/REV
r the
Report 2007
re and education
on early
h and policy
lobal Monitoring Report as
ort. It has not been edited by
er are those of the author(s)
ring Report or to UNESCO.
Paper commissioned for the
s: early childhood care and
[email protected]
mailto:[email protected]
Martin Woodhead is Professor of Childhood Studies at the Open University, UK.
Since his first book, Intervening in Disadvantage: a challenge for nursery education
(NFER, 1976), he has published extensively on early childhood, including In Search
of the Rainbow, (Bernard van Leer Foundation, 1996) and Cultural Worlds of Early
Childhood (Routledge, 1998). He has carried out policy analysis and research review
for Council of Europe, OECD, UNICEF and Save the Children, and has also worked
on child labour and children’s rights, including several international studies. Recent
publications include three co-edited textbooks Understanding Childhood, Childhoods
in Context and Changing Childhoods, (all published by Wiley, 2003). Martin is co-
editor of the journal Children & Society, a member of the editorial board for
Childhood, and the International Advisory Committee of Journal of Early Childhood
Research. During 2005 he was appointed Special Advisor to the UN Committee on
the Rights of the Child, Geneva, in preparation of General Comment 7: Implementing
Child Rights in Early Childhood.
2
CONTENTS
ABSTRACT...................................................................................................................4
INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................4
I. A DEVELOPMENTAL PERSPECTIVE ..................................................................6
The formative years of life.............................................................................................6
A critical… or a sensitive period? .................................................................................8
Implications of neuroscience .........................................................................................9
A time of vulnerability…and resilience? .....................................................................11
II. A POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVE ..........................................12
Compensating for disadvantage ...
Positional plagiocephaly from structure to function: Clinical experience of t...Braglia
Objective: Aim of the study is to evaluate disorders related to positional plagiocephaly and introduce a new model of early intervention based on the osteopathic
integrated approach.
Methods: We review clinical experience of the “Program for Neurodevelopmental Follow-up and Pediatric Osteopathy”, a service dedicated to newborns at risk for
developmental disorders.
Results: We present clinical data of 310 newborns followed during first years of life. Data analysis examines perinatal history, general features and disorders that
could be related to plagiocephaly.
Conclusions: The experience confirms that plagiocephaly is not only a problem regarding the shape of the head, it involves the functions. In our Service most babies
(81%) with positional plagiocephaly showed isolated or associated disorders that had an impact on growth, behavior and development. The early intervention based
on the osteopathic integrated approach is addressed not only to the cranial shape but consider the baby as a whole, and the environment where he lives.
Pulmonary Thromboembolism - etilogy, types, medical- Surgical and nursing man...VarunMahajani
Disruption of blood supply to lung alveoli due to blockage of one or more pulmonary blood vessels is called as Pulmonary thromboembolism. In this presentation we will discuss its causes, types and its management in depth.
These simplified slides by Dr. Sidra Arshad present an overview of the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory tract.
Learning objectives:
1. Enlist the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory tract
2. Briefly explain how these functions are carried out
3. Discuss the significance of dead space
4. Differentiate between minute ventilation and alveolar ventilation
5. Describe the cough and sneeze reflexes
Study Resources:
1. Chapter 39, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th edition
2. Chapter 34, Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th edition
3. Chapter 17, Human Physiology by Lauralee Sherwood, 9th edition
4. Non-respiratory functions of the lungs https://academic.oup.com/bjaed/article/13/3/98/278874
New Directions in Targeted Therapeutic Approaches for Older Adults With Mantl...i3 Health
i3 Health is pleased to make the speaker slides from this activity available for use as a non-accredited self-study or teaching resource.
This slide deck presented by Dr. Kami Maddocks, Professor-Clinical in the Division of Hematology and
Associate Division Director for Ambulatory Operations
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, will provide insight into new directions in targeted therapeutic approaches for older adults with mantle cell lymphoma.
STATEMENT OF NEED
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare, aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) accounting for 5% to 7% of all lymphomas. Its prognosis ranges from indolent disease that does not require treatment for years to very aggressive disease, which is associated with poor survival (Silkenstedt et al, 2021). Typically, MCL is diagnosed at advanced stage and in older patients who cannot tolerate intensive therapy (NCCN, 2022). Although recent advances have slightly increased remission rates, recurrence and relapse remain very common, leading to a median overall survival between 3 and 6 years (LLS, 2021). Though there are several effective options, progress is still needed towards establishing an accepted frontline approach for MCL (Castellino et al, 2022). Treatment selection and management of MCL are complicated by the heterogeneity of prognosis, advanced age and comorbidities of patients, and lack of an established standard approach for treatment, making it vital that clinicians be familiar with the latest research and advances in this area. In this activity chaired by Michael Wang, MD, Professor in the Department of Lymphoma & Myeloma at MD Anderson Cancer Center, expert faculty will discuss prognostic factors informing treatment, the promising results of recent trials in new therapeutic approaches, and the implications of treatment resistance in therapeutic selection for MCL.
Target Audience
Hematology/oncology fellows, attending faculty, and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).
Learning Objectives
1.) Identify clinical and biological prognostic factors that can guide treatment decision making for older adults with MCL
2.) Evaluate emerging data on targeted therapeutic approaches for treatment-naive and relapsed/refractory MCL and their applicability to older adults
3.) Assess mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapies for MCL and their implications for treatment selection
MANAGEMENT OF ATRIOVENTRICULAR CONDUCTION BLOCK.pdfJim Jacob Roy
Cardiac conduction defects can occur due to various causes.
Atrioventricular conduction blocks ( AV blocks ) are classified into 3 types.
This document describes the acute management of AV block.
These lecture slides, by Dr Sidra Arshad, offer a quick overview of physiological basis of a normal electrocardiogram.
Learning objectives:
1. Define an electrocardiogram (ECG) and electrocardiography
2. Describe how dipoles generated by the heart produce the waveforms of the ECG
3. Describe the components of a normal electrocardiogram of a typical bipolar leads (limb II)
4. Differentiate between intervals and segments
5. Enlist some common indications for obtaining an ECG
Study Resources:
1. Chapter 11, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th edition
2. Chapter 9, Human Physiology - From Cells to Systems, Lauralee Sherwood, 9th edition
3. Chapter 29, Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th edition
4. Electrocardiogram, StatPearls - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549803/
5. ECG in Medical Practice by ABM Abdullah, 4th edition
6. ECG Basics, http://www.nataliescasebook.com/tag/e-c-g-basics
Prix Galien International 2024 Forum ProgramLevi Shapiro
June 20, 2024, Prix Galien International and Jerusalem Ethics Forum in ROME. Detailed agenda including panels:
- ADVANCES IN CARDIOLOGY: A NEW PARADIGM IS COMING
- WOMEN’S HEALTH: FERTILITY PRESERVATION
- WHAT’S NEW IN THE TREATMENT OF INFECTIOUS,
ONCOLOGICAL AND INFLAMMATORY SKIN DISEASES?
- ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ETHICS
- GENE THERAPY
- BEYOND BORDERS: GLOBAL INITIATIVES FOR DEMOCRATIZING LIFE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROMOTING ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE
- ETHICAL CHALLENGES IN LIFE SCIENCES
- Prix Galien International Awards Ceremony
Factory Supply Best Quality Pmk Oil CAS 28578–16–7 PMK Powder in Stockrebeccabio
Factory Supply Best Quality Pmk Oil CAS 28578–16–7 PMK Powder in Stock
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ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HEALTHCARE.pdfAnujkumaranit
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. It encompasses tasks such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and language understanding. AI technologies are revolutionizing various fields, from healthcare to finance, by enabling machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.
Couples presenting to the infertility clinic- Do they really have infertility...Sujoy Dasgupta
Dr Sujoy Dasgupta presented the study on "Couples presenting to the infertility clinic- Do they really have infertility? – The unexplored stories of non-consummation" in the 13th Congress of the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE 2024) at Manila on 24 May, 2024.
Embryology early development from a phenomenological point of view
1. BOLK’S COMPANIONS
FOR‑THE STUDY OF MEDICINE
EMBRYOLOGY
Early development
from a phenomenological
point of view
Guus van der Bie MD
We would
be interested
to hear your
opinion abou
t this publicat
ion.
You can let us
know at http
://
www.kingfis
hergroup.nl/
questionna
ire/
3. BOLK’S COMPANIONS
Guus van der Bie MD
FOR THE STUDY OF MEDICINE
Embryology
Early Development from a
Phenomenological Point of view
4.
5. About the author
Guus van der Bie MD (1945) worked from 1967 to
1976 as a lecturer at the Department of Medical
Anatomy and Embryology at Utrecht State
University in the Netherlands. As a family physician
since 1976, he has recognized the importance
of phenomenology and Goethean science for
understanding the human being in health and
illness. Next to his practice he stayed involved
in teaching medical students at Utrecht State
University and physicians, and therapists. In 1998
he was one of the originators of Renewal of Medical
Education, a project of the Louis Bolk Instituut to
produce a complement to the current biomedical
scientific approach of the human being.
Since 2002 he is a teacher of Complementary
Medicine and Medical Humanities at the Medical
School of Utrecht State University and teaches
anthroposophic medicine at the University of
Witten/Herdecke (Germany). He is a member of the
Medical Section of the School of Spiritual Science at
the Goetheanum, Dornach, Switzerland.
Bolk’s Companions
Embryology - 3
About the project
The project Renewal of Medical Education aims
to produce Companions that demonstrate
how the insights of current biomedical science
can be broadened by using the Goethean
phenomenological method. This method innovates
current concepts and expands the understanding
of biochemical, physiological, psychological, and
morphological factors in living organisms and their
development in time and space, and in health,
illness, and therapy. The project is commissioned
by the Kingfisher Foundation, which aspires the
development, application, and publication of the
Goethean phenomenological research method in
the widest sense, to complement and innovate the
accepted scientific view and research method.
BOLK’S COMPANIONS FOR THE STUDY OF
MEDICINE complement current medical education,
specifically disclosing human qualities in the
fundamental biomedical sciences of today.
BOLK’S COMPANIONS FOR THE PRACTICE
OF MEDICINE contribute to a scientific
phenomenological basis for integrative medicine
and integral psychiatry.
6. Contents
Preface
6
Acknowledgements
7
1. Introduction
8
2. Gametogenesis
2.1.
2.1.1.
2.1.2.
2.2.
Morphology
Gametogenesis
Fertilization
Summary and conclusion
3. First week of development
3.1.
3.1.1.
3.1.2.
3.1.3.
3.1.4.
3.1.5.
3.1.6.
3.1.7.
3.1.8.
3.2.
3.2.1.
3.2.2.
Morphology
Fertilization
Cell membrane continuity
Zona pellucida
Cell cleavage
Compaction
Embryopause
From fertilization to implantation: a special period of time?
The development of twins
Summary and conclusion
Morphology
Goethean aspects
4. Second week of development
4.1.
4.1.1.
4.1.2.
4.1.3.
4.1.4.
4.2.
4.2.1.
4.2.2.
Morphology
Growth
Differentiation
Metabolism
Bilaminar germ disc
Summary and conclusions
Morphology
Goethean aspects
11
11
11
12
13
14
14
14
14
16
16
16
18
20
20
22
22
22
24
24
24
24
26
26
27
27
27
7. 5. The third week of development
5.1.
5.1.1.
5.1.2.
5.1.3.
5.1.4.
5.2.
5.2.1.
5.2.2.
Morphology
Development of axial symmetry in the germ disc
Primitive streak and mesoderm
The cylindrical body form, the folding processes
Differentiation of the internal organs
Summary and conclusions
Morphology
Goethean aspects
6. Embryonic period
Morphology
Folding process
Process of unfolding
Summary and conclusions
Morphological considerations
Goetheanistic aspects
7. Characterizing four processes of development
introduction
The physical state of individual development
Physical substance in biology
Surface and boundary
Physiological processes of individualized life and metamorphosis
A structure in time
Metamorphosis
Life processes and consciousness
Consciousness, physiology, and reflexes
Psycho-neuro-pharmacology
A relation between the inner and outer world
Consciousness, behavior and determinism
8. our qualities in early development: morphodynamics
F
8.1.
8.2.
8.2.1.
8.2.2.
8.2.3.
8.2.4.
General aspects
Relation between center and periphery
Morphodynamics in the first phase
Morphodynamics in the second phase
Morphodynamics in the third phase
Morphodynamics in the fourth phase
9. Synopsis
9.1.
Phases of development
Literature
35
35
35
36
40
40
40
42
42
43
43
43
44
44
45
45
45
46
47
47
51
51
52
52
52
53
53
55
55
57
Embryology - 5
7.1.
7.2.
7.2.1.
7.2.2.
7.3.
7.3.1.
7.3.2.
7.4.
7.4.1.
7.4.2.
7.4.3.
7.5.
28
28
28
29
31
32
32
32
Bolk’s Companions
6.1.
6.1.1.
6.1.2.
6.2.
6.2.1.
6.2.2.
28
8. Preface
In his book Lifelines Steven Rose states: “The challenge to the opponents of biological
determinism is that, while we may have been effective in our critique of its reductionist
claims, we have failed to offer a coherent alternative framework within which to interpret
living processes.”
We have the same challenge with regard to morphology and embryology. It is imperative
to offer a satisfactory alternative framework. In trying to remedy this problem we have
striven for to reach two goals: first, to indicate an ‘alternative framework’ in morphology,
and second, to show that the alternative framework which characterizes dynamic quality
in morphological phases opens new possibilities for interpreting morphological processes.
We achieved the characterization of the dynamic quality in morphological phases by using
a phenomenological approach to morphology, and then interpreting this with the help of
Goethean science. We think a new framework will be helpful if it can be shown to refer
to functional entities in biology. In this case, many facts and details can be seen in a
context and understood as belonging to recognizable phases of development. We chose
the dynamic quality in morphological phases for this purpose since it allows us to see
coherence in the facts. The dynamic quality in morphological phases can be shown to refer
to functional processes in biology.
This results in new concepts in morphogenesis. These new concepts recapture an
understanding of morphogenetic factors in living organisms and their development in
time and space. This gives us, for instance, a possibility of understanding the relation
consciousness and behavior to the shape of the body.
We hope that this framework will be helpful for medical students, who have to learn and
remember many morphological details.
Experience has taught us that an overview of the whole makes remembering the details
easier. We present this module in an effort to aid medical students and others to take in
the wonderful world of embryology and remember it better in later study and work.
We want to emphasize that this module does not replace the textbook on embryology.
The information in the module is compact and presupposes the knowledge contained in
regular textbooks.
➔ Morphogenetics is the study of how form and shape develop
9. Acknowledgements
This module in the series BOLK’S COMPANIONS FOR THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE was written at
the Louis Bolk Instituut, Driebergen Holland. It is a result of the stimulating exchange
of ideas with my colleagues W. Schad, Chr. van Tellingen, G. Verhaagen, H. Vögler, J.
van der Wal and R. Zech. I am most grateful to them for their valuable comments, and I
am glad we are not at the end of this exciting journey. The next subject to be studied is
organogenesis. I hope our cooperation in studying organogenesis will be equally fruitful.
Guus van der Bie MD, Driebergen April 2001.
Bolk’s Companions
This project was made possible financially by gifts from Iona Stichting, Stichting Phoenix,
Pharma Natura (S. Africa), Stichting ter Bevordering van de Heilpedagogiek, Stichting
Triodos and Kelly Sutton.
Embryology - 7
10. 1. Introduction
Early development in human embryology
Embryonic development can be divided into different developmental phases. Like every
biological developmental process, embryological development is a process in time and as
such the visible stages appear as a continuous process in time. Stages and phases are in
fact artificially produced by the observer. Therefore, the observer has to be aware of the
criteria he or she uses in differentiating the various phases.
When we look at the developing plant, for instance, it can be seen to grow according to a
particular time pattern which is structured by morphological and functional changes. We
classify its phases based on these morphological and functional changes.
The term ‘phase’ is used to define and describe a time period during which a particular
process takes place. In plant-life, for instance, we can discern germinating, growing, and
flowering as clearly different processes and we use a particular term for each phase. Each
process (germinating, growing, and flowering) represents a particular aspect of plant
development resulting in particular plant products or plant parts.
However, the differentiation of phases is not just a result of observation, it also has a
counterpart in the process of conceptualization in the human mind: i.e. we recognize a
group of phenomena as belonging to a particular process. The changes in the described
processes determine whether development is at one phase or another, and visible
phenomena belonging to certain stages can be seen as belonging to one larger develop
mental phase. A phase therefore may cover different stages.
Here we shall try to find the characteristic features of different phases in embryology
by using Goetheanistic phenomenology as a scientific approach: morphological and
biological phenomena in different organisms are studied and compared in order to find
out what the characteristics of their relationships are, what they have in common and how
they are different.
Comparing the development of various organisms makes it possible to discover what can
be taken as the same process in different organisms. This enables us to recognize general
laws and stages in morphogenesis.
11. This method shows us what determines visible phenomena. When we give processes a
particular name, e.g. ‘cell differentiation’, ‘organogenesis’ or ‘programmed cell death’ we
should be aware that we are using a superimposed conceptual framework. Every individual
cell’s life is embedded in processes of a ‘higher’ level; it ‘obeys’ the laws specific to what
is to be developed as an expression of the superimposed process of the higher level (for
instance gastrulation).
We have taken Langman’s Medical Embryology as a basic text which exemplifies medical
science as it is taught in medical schools today. In that sense our effort should be
considered to be an attempt to follow contemporary medical education, showing that a
Embryology - 9
Note!
It is important to note that Goetheanistic science finds characteristic morphological
differences between minerals, plants, animals and human beings. This is due to the fact
that a macroscopic point of view is chosen. In his scientific approach, Goethe was looking
for the ‘archetypal phenomenon’. This archetypal phenomenon represents the dynamic
quality of a specific morphological phase.
When we look from the point of view of molecular biological, it is evident that
morphological differences between minerals, plants, animals, and human beings disappear
for our consciousness. From a scientific point of view there is no necessity to make a choice
between the two points of view. It should be emphasized that it lies in the freedom of the
scientist which point of view is chosen. Integration of both points of view is possible within
the realm of Goetheanism.
Bolk’s Companions
It is also important to be aware of the way the Goetheanistic scientist approaches an
object. In analytical science, the scientist has the attitude of ‘onlooker’. In Goetheanistic
science, the scientist works with a participative attitude. He participates consciously in
what is going on in morphological processes. This kind of consciousness enables the
scientist to recognize movement and gesture working in morphological processes.
In contrast to the usual scientific approach of analysis and reduction we may broaden our
view in Goetheanistic science, in the sense of taking in the ‘whole’ of the phenomenon
and their context.
12. goetheanistic approach can complement and augment modern scientific approach and
study.
It is common nowadays to give a bio-molecular explanation of life processes in morphology.
Studying molecular biology, particularly genetics, makes us aware that even genes in their
complicated and marvelous structures and functions need an explanation in their own right.
Understanding protein metabolism is quite different from understanding morphogenesis,
and describing the protein metabolism that takes place during morphological development
does not mean that the description is an explanation of how form and shape develop
(morphogenesis).
Morphogenesis is the subject of this publication. The central question that gives this
study its particular form is: are we able to understand individual cell differentiation
and morphological development in relation to specific superimposed processes? By
discriminating different phases of development we are immediately confronted with the
coherence of multiple phenomena that are part of one superimposed process, for instance
a process such as ‘gastrulation’ (see 5.2.2).
This scientific approach has many practical implications. Molecular biology gives an
explanation of processes in substances; however, this cannot fully explain morphology or
consciousness.
The specific laws of life processes and mental capacities can be recognized as
differentiating forces in embryological development and morphology. The Goetheanistic
scientific approach opens up the possibility of understanding the relation between bodily
form, life process, and mental capacity.
13. 2. Gametogenesis
2.1. Morphology
2.1.1. Gametogenesis
We see immediately that a pronounced polarization takes place.
The process of polarization includes germ cell differentiation in opposite directions.
Embryology - 11
Gametogenesis starts with the primordial germ cell. From this stage on, differentiation
into the oocyte in the female organism, on the one hand, and the sperm cell in the male
organism, on the other, is a process of increasing divergence. We can list a great number of
properties of the primordial cells, which in subsequent differentiation develop in opposite
directions in oocytes and sperm cells.
For instance when we look at:
Oocyte
Sperm cell
cell volume
+++
--condensation of DNA
--+++
mobility
--+++
total number of produced cells
400
Numerous +++
localization in the abdomen
Inside
Outside
temperature needed for differentiation
Warm
Cool
Bolk’s Companions
Gametogenesis provides a good example of a dynamic quality in morphogenesis as
a superimposed process, as described in the preface. In gametogenesis the process of
polarization is the working principle ‘behind the actual facts’. In studying this process, you
can clearly experience the difference between observing visible facts and stages, and the
mental process of thinking about those observations. The concept of polarization remains
invisible for the physical eye, but it becomes nonetheless ‘visible’ with the help of our
thought process.
14. However, there is at the same time a reciprocal development in germ cell differentiation.
We can see this by looking at the relevant cell properties mentioned above: cell structures
that become more important, dominant, or clearly expressed in one cell (oocyte) become
less important in the other cell (sperm cell), and vice versa. While developing in completely
opposite directions, there is a strong inner relationship between the two processes, which
is expressed by the reciprocal characteristic of the process. The inner relationship within
this development can help us understand the process of polarization and the reciprocal
attraction between oocyte and sperm cell. All phenomena and characteristics of the
polarization of the two gametes can be summarized as follows: the oocyte tends to
specialize and unidirectionally differentiate to express the features and qualities of the
cytoplasm of the normal cell. The spermatocyte, on the other hand, exhibits the qualities
and ‘behavior’ of the nucleus of the cell.
2.1.2. Fertilization
Fertilization is a necessary condition for the development of a new human being.
The main process that creates the conditions of fertilization is polarization. It will become
clear that any polarization can be understood as creating conditions and possibilities
for new development. We will learn to understand that processes such as the polar
differentiation of embryoblast and trophoblast, epiblast and hypoblast, ectoderm
and endoderm in later phases of embryonic development, create new possibilities in
development. Thus gametogenesis can be considered as a basic exemplary phenomenon
which points to the creation of new possibility: the development of the zygote.
Fertilization takes place the moment both gametes are at the end of their life and
development. At fertilization both oocyte and sperm cell each can live only one or two
more days and then will die if fertilization does not take place. Therefore they can be
considered to be cells on the ‘edge of life and death’. The only function they have left is to
give away their complete physical substance in fertilization.
This phenomenon again is very instructive. It shows that specialization and the possibility to
develop in many directions (multipotentiality) are opposite qualities. Specialization means
15. a loss of omnipotence. Development comes to an end when specialization takes place
as shown in gametogenesis. A new impulse is needed to bring forth new developmental
stages and phases.
2.2. Summary and conclusion
Bolk’s Companions
➔ Gametogenesis can be taken as an example of a coherent process (phase)
of differentiation showing many stages. Germ cell differentiation
can be qualified as a process of polarization. In Goethean
science, polarization can be taken to be an archetypal
phenomenon at the beginning of a new
phase in biological development.
Embryology - 13
16. 3. First week of development
3.1. Morphology
3.1.1. Fertilization
The process of fertilization has several consequences. One is the fact that the number
of chromosomes becomes ‘normal’ (diploid) after the fusion of the haploid gametes.
Also the sexual identity of the organism is determined. We will discuss a number of
further phenomena of the first week of development and then try to characterize these
phenomena as belonging to a first phase.
3.1.2. Cell membrane continuity
During fusion the continuity of the membrane of the oocyte is intact. This is one of the
most important phenomena during the fusing of the gametes. It is well known that
continuity of the cell membrane is a condition for cellular life. As shown in necrosis and
apoptosis, any form of membrane destruction leads to the end of cellular life.
During fertilization there is not a single moment of dehiscence in the cell membrane,
as shown in figure 3.1. The fusion of the gametes is a threefold process, in sequential
order: fusion of the cell membranes, fusion of the cytoplasm of both cells, and fusion of
the nucleotic substances. That means there is a complete fusion of substance of both
gametes.
17. Corona radiata cells
Polar body
in division
Acrosome
Inner
acrosomal
membrane
dissolves
Fusion oocyte and sperm
cell membranes
Fig. 3.1. Fusion of the two gametes and continuity of the cell membrane (from Langman, 1995)
Embryology - 15
Plasma
membrane
Bolk’s Companions
Secondary
oocyte
in 2nd meiotic
division
Sperm
nucleus
18. 3.1.3. Zona pellucida
After fertilization, the zona pellucida undergoes a striking change. From the moment of
fusion of the gametes onwards, the zona pellucida changes to become an impermeable
membrane, separating the zygote physically and physiologically from the environment.
3.1.4. Cell cleavage
As a result of fertilization, cleavage is initiated. From this moment on, the zygote will
develop a number of daughter cells called blastomeres. Characteristic for this process is
the fact that during cleavage each new cell (blastomere) contains half the volume of
cytoplasm of the mother cell. This process will go on until a specific ratio is reached
between the cell volume and the volume of the nucleus: the volumetric ratio between
nucleus and the cytoplasm has gained a value characteristic of the human organism in
question. The amount of cytoplasm of the zygote is so large that this does not take place
till the zygote reaches the 16-cell stage. This specific ratio is a necessity for the cell to have
the bio-activity to continue, including protein synthesis. During the process of cleavage
the overall size of the zygote does not change, as shown in figure 3.2.
3.1.5. Compaction
About four days after fertilization, the formed cluster of blastomeres, now called the
morula, undergoes the process of compaction. In compaction the peripheral cells begin
to stick together in much closer contact than before, forming a more dense structure. It
is a process comparable to epithelialisation. These peripheral cells will give rise to the
trophoblast. The inner cell mass will give rise to the embryo proper, and is therefore called
the embryoblast.
19. Two cell stage
Four cell stage
Morula
Bolk’s Companions
Outer polar
blastomere
Inner apolar
blastomere
Fig. 3.2. Development of the morula and compaction (from Vögler, 1987)
Embryology - 17
Cross section
20. 3.1.6. Embryopause
Another impressive phenomenon in the early embryology of certain animals is embryo
pause. In humans this phenomenon has not been observed.
Embryopause is a situation in which the morula interrupts its development at the stage
just before implantation. This stage can exist for a long time in the uterus of a kangaroo or
in deer. This is a well-known phenomenon in biology. In either animal, the zygote develops
to the stage just before implantation, and then a developmental pause sets in. Before
going on to further development or differentiation, implantation is delayed for a longer
period of time.
In deer this can occur when mating has taken place in autumn (Deer 1 in fig. 3.3).
When fertilization takes place during the spring rutting season, the zygote develops and
implantation occurs without any delay (Deer 2 in fig. 3.3). Pregnancy will be completed
in the normal time frame. When fertilization has taken place during the autumn ruttingseason, the morula is stored in the womb, ‘waiting’ for the spring rutting-season, and from
a specific moment embryonic development goes on to implantation. Pregnancy in either
case will be completed and concluded at about the same time.
In the kangaroo, fertilization may occur after mating, even when the kangaroo is already
bearing a cub in its pouch. The zygote then interrupts its development just before
implantation. From the moment the cub in the pouch leaves the shelter, the zygote starts
implanting in the uterine wall. The moment of birth is fixed by that moment (fig. 3.3).
22. 3.1.7. From fertilization to implantation: a special period of time?
In all viviparous animals, the first morphological phase in embryological development
starts at fertilization and continues on to implantation taking about one week (4 – 7
days). However, the duration of pregnancy varies for different species and under different
circumstances (see above). For instance, in mice pregnancy takes 21 days, in elephants
it takes 21 months. Yet this first morphological phase, from fertilization to implantation
takes about the same time in either animal: one week. The same applies in deer and
kangaroos when a correction is made for embryopause. Therefore, the morula phase has
its own time cycle which is not dependent upon that of pregnancy. This is characteristic
for this first phase of development.
3.1.8. The development of twins
We know from identical twin development that monozygotic twins can develop from
spontaneous cleavage of the morula. This is due to the fact that morula cells are
multipotent, meaning that each morula cell can grow into a complete and healthy
organism. In fact, the process of cloning is done at this stage and can take place only at
this stage as soon after this the morula cells lose their omnipotence by differentiating.
Therefore, the morula as a whole, or even a single morula cell, can be taken to have the
capacity for determining the physical development of an individual organism.
When the morula enters the uterine cavity, fluid appears in the cell mass. During this
process the outer cell mass partly loses contact with the inner cell mass, forming a single
cavity. Thus, the blastula is formed and implantation can occur. In the meantime, the
zona pellucida, which was until now the peripheral physical surrounding of the zygote,
disappears.
The blastula stage is the last stage in which the possibility for monozygotic (identical)
twin development exists. As shown in fig 3.4. nearly 99% of twins develop before or at
this stage of development. When twin formation starts later, there is a very high risk of
pathological and often fatal development. It is evident that the phase during which the
basis for autonomous biological development can occur, is over.
23. Bolk’s Companions
Embryology - 21
Fig 3.4. Monozygotic (identical) twin development at different stages (from Langman 1973)
24. 3.2. Summary and conclusion
3.2.1. Morphology
We will first sum up the above-mentioned phenomena from a morphological (form and
shape) point of view.
The main developmental issues of the ‘first week’ are:
Fertilization
Fertilization causes fusion of the cytoplasm and nuclei of both gametes; it results in a
diploid genetic status, while the cell membrane stays intact.
Development of the morula
Morula cells are multipotent; the zona pellucida becomes impermeable after fertilization,
giving the embryo a firm boundary. While the oocyte functions as an organism open to
the environment, the zygote is to be taken as a self contained organism.
In some animals embryopause can occur. Monozygotic twin formation can take place.
3.2.2. Goethean aspects
We can look at these phenomena also from the Goethean point of view, which allows a
further characterization of the first week of development.
The physical condition
The phenomena of the first week are manifestations of a special phase. This phase results
in the creation of the physical circumstance for further development. Its dynamic tendency
is centripetal (see chapter 8.2.1)
The morula (and the young blastula) can be considered to be ‘living’ organisms; yet it
is striking that this ‘life’ does not have a biological clock or evident growth or intense
metabolism like most biological processes.
25. There is only a short period in early development during which it is possible to preserve the
embryo by freezing. This is at the morula stage. When we freeze the embryo, we preserve
mainly the physical condition for development, a status that can ‘wait’ for implantation. In
doing so we create an artificial embryopause.
➔ The first week as an embryonic phase results in the physical condition for
autonomous biological development.
Bolk’s Companions
Relation to time and metabolism
The ‘first week’ has the characteristic of the seed of the plant. Seeds can be stored for a
long time, keeping their germinal force over many years. There is no imperative biological
clock or active metabolism, as we know them in biologically active organisms.
Is the seed alive? It is a special way of being alive: the physical material phase of life,
living ‘outside of time’ and having no active metabolism. The situation of living outside
of time and having no active metabolism is well known in inorganic substances. It is the
‘physical way of being alive’.
Embryology - 23
26. 4. Second week of development
4.1. Morphology
First we will describe the different phenomena of the second week, then we will summarize
and characterize them again, and find the characteristics of this phase.
4.1.1. Growth
From the moment the blastula comes into contact with the uterine mucosa, the blastocyst
grows rapidly. This is a new impulse. It is a real leap in development. Growth, which now
happens in the sense of increase in volume and cell mass, is obvious. This growth is not the
same in different parts of the blastocyst. In this phase of development growth primarily
takes place at the periphery of the blastocyst, as can be seen in figure 4.1.
4.1.2. Differentiation
The trophoblast develops rapidly in a centrifugal direction. At the same time it will
undergo histological differentiation into two layers: the cytotrophoblast, consisting of
well-differentiated cells, and the syncytiotrophoblast, in which individual cell structure is
lost.
The embryoblast also differentiates into two layers: epiblast and hypoblast.
27. A: 7 days
A
Embryology - 25
B
B: 11 days
Bolk’s Companions
C
C: 15 days
Fig. 4.1. Development of the blastocyst from day 7 to day 15 (from Blechschmidt 1968)
28. 4.1.3. Metabolism
Metabolic conditions necessarily change when an organism starts to differentiate and
grow. An active metabolic process is needed.
Nutrition (blood) and secretion (secretory products) are important signs of an increased
metabolism. In the syncytiotrophoblast, vacuoles fuse to form lacunae. Cells of the
syncytiotrophoblast cause erosion to the maternal blood vessels. Cells in the lacunae will,
from about the twelfth day, come into contact with maternal blood. Blood circulation
can be seen as a phenomenon belonging to the form of increased metabolism that the
blastocyst needs.
Production of HCG by trophoblast cells prevents degeneration of the corpus luteum.
This means that the embryo is not only active on a morphological level but also on a
physiological level. The production of HCG is the secretion process that enables the
blastocyst to interact physiologically with the maternal organism, thereby tremendously
enlarging its ‘biological environment’. This process has its morphological counterpart in
the peripheral expansion of the trophoblast. Both processes show an invasive tendency.
Giving up its own boundaries, morphologically and physiologically, the embryo comes into
contact with a wider periphery.
4.1.4. Bilaminar germ disc
The differentiation of the embryoblast in the second week results in the formation of
the bilaminar germ disc, the next developmental stage of the primitive embryonic body.
Because of the round shape of amnion and primitive yolk sac, their contact surface
constitutes a circular-shaped bilaminar disc. This means that there is radial symmetry in
the embryonic disc.
When we look at a 12-day-old blastocyst we can also find this radial symmetry in the total
‘body form’. The only morphological differentiation of the germ disc and of the blastocyst
as a whole is the coming into existence of a new polarization. The former polarizes to
become epiblast and hypoblast. The latter polarizes into an embryonic pole (where the
germ disc is situated) and an abembryonic pole (figure 4.1B).
29. 4.2. Summary and conclusions
4.2.1. Morphology
Bolk’s Companions
We will first summarize and characterize the morphological phenomena again.
Growth, cell differentiation, and an increased, blood-dependent metabolism are taken as
phenomena of vital activity. The blastocyst in this phase of development is an organism
capable of self-regulation. This is a property of all typical biological processes. From the
moment of implantation onwards, the ‘biological clock’ regulates the vital processes of the
blastocyst. This indicates that the blastocyst has its own vital organization.
The striving to become more and more peripheral is illustrative of a tendency to be limitless.
This tendency is opposite to the one seen in the first week of development. Therefore
we conclude that the developmental impulse of the first week is morphodynamically
completely different from the second week’s impulse. Morphodynamics of the first week
are therefore not continuous with those of the second week.
4.2.2. Goethean aspects
➔ When we state that embryonic development can be divided into
different phases, each having a specific characteristic, the second week
shows morphological and physiological features of a germinating and
growing plant. Thus, the physical substance of the first week
comes ‘to life’ in the same way plants are alive.
Embryology - 27
Looking at the development of the first week, we compared the morula with the seed of
a plant. The second week shows a different pattern that we can compare with the phase
of a plant in a germinating and growing phase. Growth, cell differentiation, metabolism,
and a specific pattern in time (biological clock) become manifest. This phase of plant life
interacts intensively with the environment and has a tendency to be limitless.
30. 5. The third week of development
5.1. Morphology
5.1.1. Development of axial symmetry in the germ disc
During the last days of the second week the connecting stalk ‘migrates’. This ‘migration’
takes place during the enormous growth and differentiation of the germ disc that
characterizes the third week of development. The position of amnion and definitive yolk
sac,, including the germ disc, changes rapidly in relation to the mesoderm lining the inner
wall of the chorion. By the end of the third week the connecting stalk is a mesodermal
bridge between chorion and germ disc. It is attached to the embryoblast where amnion
and definitive yolk sac come together. In later stages it will emerge as the future caudal
region of the embryonic body.
This process puts an end to the radial symmetry of the germ disc. The germ disc becomes
elongated at the future caudal end. Through this development there will be only one axial
line in the embryo from now on, making the embryonic body a bilaterally symmetrical
structure (fig. 5.1a, 5.1b), with the form of a leaf. The left and right sides of the embryonic
body are fixed from this point on.
5.1.2. Primitive streak and mesoderm
The primitive streak develops in the dorso-caudal part of the epiblast in the mid-axial
region (fig. 5.1c, 16th day). From now on the formation of the mesoderm and the
notochord will occur with the invagination of epiblast cells through the primitive streak
and primitive pit.
Results of these new developments are the trilaminar germ disc, a central axis, and
bilateral symmetry of the embryo.
31. primitive
streak
18 days
19 days
5.1. a
5.1. b
5.1. c
Bolk’s Companions
16 days
Fig. 5.1. Dorsal view of morphological changes in the germ disc in the third week of development (day
16 – day 19) (from Langman 1973)
In the 17 day old embryo we can distinguish three directions: a dorso-ventral direction
(epiblast-hypoblast), and, after development of the axial structures, a caudo-cranial
direction, and a left and right side.
The germ disc now starts folding around a transversal axis in a cephalo-caudal direction
(fig. 5.2) and around a longitudinal axis in a ventro-lateral direction (fig. 5.3). An
enormous expansion in all directions of the amnion takes place at the same time. During
this process the embryonic body will gradually become a separate structure freely floating
in the amniotic fluid. The last connection with the environment will be the umbilical cord,
which develops from the connecting stalk. The former ‘open body form’ will be changed
into a cylinder-like ‘closed bodily form’ (fig. 5.2).
Embryology - 29
5.1.3. The cylindrical body form, the folding processes
32. cranial end
caudal end
Fig. 5.2. Cephalo-caudal folding process (from Langman 1973)
right side
Fig 5.3. Lateral folding leading to a cylindrical body form: view from cranial direction
(from Langman 1973)
left side
33. In figures 5.2 and 5.3 only the morphological changes resulting from the folding processes
are shown. It is also important to note that simultaneously the total body volume
increases.
5.1.4. Differentiation of the internal organs
First day of development
17
18
18
22
20-30
25
23
33
30
Embryology - 31
Organ
Heart
Central nervous system
Liver / Gall bladder
Kidney
Somites
Lungs
Gonads (indifferent)
Thyroid gland
Pancreas
Bolk’s Companions
The first organ to develop is the heart. Angiogenic cell clusters appear in the late presomite
embryo on day 17 or 18. The most cranial part of the intraembryonic mesoderm gives rise
to these cell clusters that will form both blood cells and vascular cells. The beginning of
heart development initiates the development of all other internal organs. Liver, kidney, gut,
and many other organs start their development immediately after the appearance of the
heart. The development of the internal organs starts a new phase in embryonic life. In the
third week the embryo again makes a tremendous leap.
The most dynamic region of development is once more at the very center of the embryo:
the germ disc. During the previous phase (second week) development was directed towards
the periphery. But building internal organs means changing to a centripetal tendency
again (see chapter 8.2.3), as in the first week!
34. 5.2. Summary and conclusions
5.2.1. Morphology
The body of a 17-day embryo has a median axial structure (primitive streak and notochordal
cells) and is involved in the process of gastrulation, i.e. forming an inner cavity, an inner
space. Both are highly specific processes of animal embryological development. The
change from radial symmetry to bilateral symmetry and the differentiation of mesoderm
support this interpretation. Mesoderm is tissue that gives rise to muscles, bones, tendons,
and cartilage. These tissues are all precursors for structures, which are in some way
connected with the ability of the organism to move.
Morphologically, an ‘inner world’ develops between ectoderm and endoderm.
5.2.2. Goethean aspects
The most important differences between plant and animal organisms are the formation
of an internal body cavity, the differentiation of internal organs, and the capacity to move
freely. The word ‘gastrula’ means little stomach. Therefore the word gastrulation is very
meaningful. It makes clear that the phases of forming the body cavity and of forming the
internal organs are due to the same underlying dynamic process. In the animal world,
gastrulation is a universal phase of development. Figure 5.4 shows this phase for different
animals and the human being. They have their own developmental speed and form but
they have two things in common: gastrulation and differentiation of an internal organ
system. Animals which have developed a digestive system (‘stomach’) digest external
substances, build up ‘internal organs’, and change the environment by excreting metabolic
products: an ‘inner’ world develops and interacts with an ‘outer’ world. Digestion can be
taken as the archetypal phenomenon of creating a relation of an ‘inner’ world to an ‘outer’
world.
35. Bolk’s Companions
Embryology - 33
Crocodile
Chicken
Primate
Human Being
Fig. 5.4. The gastrula form as an archetypal phenomenon and the beginning of unfolding
(from Poppelbaum 1933)
36. Gastrulation can be seen as the archetypal phenomenon of animal morphology (see
6.2.2). In Goethean science, the archetypal phenomenon is analogous to the axiom in
mathematics. It is remarkable that organisms with a very different evolutionary history
and different genetic structures can develop the same characteristic macroscopic stages
and phases.
A second aspect of this phase is the development of a nervous system and a movement
system in animal organisms. Animals develop sense organs, a nervous system and
muscles, which all enable them to ‘communicate’ on a more or less conscious level with
their environment. Perception, awareness, and reaction are components of the interaction
of the individual organism with its environment. This interaction is comparable with the
substantial interaction of the digestive system with the environment. Animal life and
behavior are highly determined by the specific form of the body and animal instinct. For
that reason, the gastrula form can be taken as an emanation of processes according to
determinism.
From a phenomenological point of view, the external form induced by the folding process
can be understood as a ‘gastrulation of the whole body’s form’ .
Folding and gastrulation of the body can be understood as a manifestation of
‘animalization’ of the body. The outer world enters the organism by ingestion or
perception, will be integrated by digestion or assimilation, and the organism interacts
with the outer world by excretion or reaction.
➔ This phase of the developmental process can be described as
animalization of the body.
37. 6. Embryonic period
6.1. Morphology
The emergence of the external form of the body
6.1.1. Folding process
Bolk’s Companions
Embryology - 35
The start of cephalo-caudal and the lateral folding mark the end of the third week. Over
the following two weeks segmentation and somite formation occurs. The embryonic body
becomes maximally curved over the primitive umbilical cord, as shown in figure 6.1 A. For
most mammals and many other animal organisms, this external body shape exists more
or less as a final morphological stage of the body. They will never reach the ‘upright’ body
form characteristic that human beings have. Also monkeys and apes, considered closest to
humans, show remnants of the cephalo-caudal folding in their external bodily form and
vertebral column. Although primates can for a few moments walk and stand upright, they
are not able to develop the upright posture of the human organism. The reasons for this
inability to maintain an upright posture will be discussed.
38. 6.1.2. Process of unfolding
From the 4th and 5th week of human embryological development onward, the folding
process of the third week is partly unfolded to reach the typical human external bodily
form: upright posture. Figure 6.1B shows the effect of the unfolding on the external form
of the body. Unfolding creates a morphological movement opposite to flexion. This is
superimposed on the folded bodily form of the early embryonic period.
Animals considered to be close to human, being such as apes and primates, have an
unfolding process too. There are important differences between the unfolding process in
apes and primates and the human being, as is shown in figure 6.3. In apes and monkeys,
unfolding occurs in the brain, skull and pelvic region and in the pelvic organs. Therefore
the vertebral column never reaches a completely upright position. In humans, however,
unfolding does not occur in the region of the head and the pelvic region. In humans,
unfolding is important in the development of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar part of the
vertebral column.
This means that in apes and monkeys the unfolding process is polarly opposite compared
to man: unfolding is prominent in the skull and pelvic region, and does not persist in the
vertebral column. In humans unfolding is prominent in the vertebral column and inhibited
at the level of the pelvic region (fig. 6.2) and skull (fig. 6.3).
Only human beings have a stable upright posture. The perfect rectangular relationship of
the frontal, sagittal and horizontal planes in the human body is due to the persistence of
the unfolding process of the vertebral column.
➔ From the fourth week on the embryonic body becomes specific human.
39. A folding process
Bolk’s Companions
B unfolding process
Embryology - 37
Fig. 6.1. Coming into appearance of the external bodily form
Figure 6.1. shows the development of the external body form, adjusted for growth.
40. Fig. 6.2. The human body: the unfolding of the vertebral column is completed (from Verhulst, 1999)
42. 6.2. Summary and conclusions
6.2.1. Morphological considerations
When we look at the development of the external bodily form of the germ disc, two main
processes, starting at the end of the third week (18th day), can be recognized: a folding
process, followed by an unfolding process. Many details of topographic anatomy can be
understood when we take these two processes into account, especially when we look at
the skull and pelvic region, on the one hand, and the vertebral column, the trunk and the
internal organs, on the other.
6.2.2. Goetheanistic aspects
Folding and gastrulation were recognized as typical characteristics of ‘animalisation’ of
the body (see 5.2.2).
The unfolding processes of the trunk induce the uprightness as shown in figures 6.1
and 6.2. In the human being, the upright form is realized in its completion by unfolding.
Characteristic for this phenomenon is that as a result the following joints are situated in
the same frontal plane: atlanto occipital joint, shoulder joint, hip joint, knee joint and
ankle joint.
Comparative anatomy shows that the process of unfolding the processes of limb
development and the development of the human brain are related to one another.
Unfolding results in upright posture, limb development in the characteristic human limbs,
i.e. the basic (not instrumental) architecture of limbs and human brain development results
in an unequalled quantity and quality of brain tissue. Each of these phenomena can be
taken as highly specific and unique for human development. Only the human being is
able to maintain these morphological features lifelong.
Parallel to this morphological differentiation, determinism looses hold of human behavior,
as will be discussed in chapter 7.5.
43. ➔ The upright bodily form can be understood as a manifestation of the
characteristic human capacity to be free of instinctual behavior.
Bolk’s Companions
Embryology - 41
44. 7. Characterizing four processes of development
Dynamic qualities in different embryological phases
7.1. introduction
In our Introduction we stated: “we have striven for two goals: first, to indicate an
‘alternative framework’ in morphology, and second, to show that the selected alternative
framework which characterizes dynamic quality in morphological phases opens new
possibilities for interpreting morphological processes.” In this chapter these dynamic
qualities will be described more in detail. Here we shall try to make clear that a dynamic
point of view opens a possibility to understand many facts in embryonic development as
belonging to one dynamic process. These dynamic processes work during a specific period
of time. Within this specific period, the embryo realizes a special phase of its development.
Early development in human embryology shows four characteristic phases, which start
successively at about the beginning of the first, second, third, and fourth week of
development (see Ch. 3, 4, 5, 6). Each phase is a result of specialized morphological and
physiological processes.
Morphological development as described in the chapters 3, 4, 5 and 6 will be discussed
again here this time from a Goethean point of view.
The phenomenologist Louis Bolk, advised the use of the ‘macroscope’. In saying that,
he pointed out that a coherent understanding of biological facts needs more than just
a microscope. A microscope allows us to discover many exciting details. An inherent
insufficiency of this method is that the coherence of facts and their relation to each other
does not become visible. Louis Bolk’s macroscope is the better instrument to find this
coherence and the interrelations. The macroscope is, of course, our thinking process. One
of the techniques in using the macroscope is the comparative method. Comparing different
kingdoms in nature and the respective behavior and laws to which the individuals in
different kingdoms are subjected, gives the possibility to reach a coherent overview.
45. 7.2. The physical state of individual development
7.2.1. Physical substance in biology
Any object in space has a surface or boundary. Physical substance is contained within this
surface or boundary.
During the first week of development, the cleavage divisions make many surfaces. In that
first phase, the zona pellucida acts as a firm boundary for the zygote. After the process
of compaction, the zygote has a new possibility to form a firm external boundary. Having
‘a skin’ belongs to being alive, and every organism will try to keep its boundaries intact
during its lifetime. Within these boundaries organic laws are at work to form the organism.
Embryology - 43
7.2.2. Surface and boundary
Bolk’s Companions
Every living organism has a physical identity. The smallest mono-cellular organism and the
most complicated multi-cellular organism each has its own physical boundaries and its
own physical substance. Within the physical world, an organism forms a kind of enclave
that contains its own substance. Physiological processes influence these substances,
their concentrations and their composition, and determine the processes in which the
substances will be involved. When physical substance is taken out of the organism, it is
part of the world again and obeys the physical laws of inorganic nature. These laws will
not make this substance into a new organism. That means that this substance ‘returns
to’ the phase of being merely dead inorganic substance. The laws of inorganic nature are
different from the laws of the organism. For this reason, substance appears in a different
context in the surrounding inorganic world to that of the organic world.
It is important to make a difference between the physical state and the physical space.
Physical substance is always a condition and a necessity for the physical state of being (see
3.1.2). Physical substance is, of course, an object in space. That does not mean, however,
that as an object in space it has an orientation in space. A piece of stone has no front
or back, no left or right side. Even a nice piece of quartz does not have an orientation in
space, it has no above or below. We can give it any possible orientation in space.
46. An organic boundary has many biological functions and plays an active role within the
physiology of the organism.
A piece of quartz has a surface that does not act as a boundary separating the realm
of organic laws from the realm of physical and mathematical laws. Crystal surfaces are
physiologically inert.
➔ We may conclude that the physical state of development can be characterized as
physical substances that will be organized to fit into the development of an
organism, and that the physical state tends to have surfaces and boundaries.
7.3. Physiological processes of individualized life and metamorphosis
Physiological processes in living organisms proceed according to a ‘biological clock’ and
are subject to metamorphosis.
7.3.1. A structure in time
The ‘biological clock’ is a universal phenomenon of the physiology in living organisms. It
can be found by investigating the changes in quantity and quality of the physical substance
of an organism. It will be seen that these changes show a specific pattern in time. This
means that any organism shows fluctuations in the composition of the substances within
its boundaries in time.
These fluctuations are highly specific for each organism, and are mainly induced by the
sun. The sun sets the organic rhythms, therefore the sun is called the ‘time setter’ (in
German: Zeitgeber) in chronobiology. Each organism has its own relation to the sun cycle.
I.e. that there is a characteristic relation of living organisms to the cycle of day and night.
The physical composition of an organism is very specific for the day- or the night-situation.
Photophosphorilation and photosynthesis in plants, and circadian rhythms in humans and
animals are examples of how time regulates the physical composition and processes of
organisms.
47. Organisms have the possibility to ingest substance one moment and excrete it the next. For
this, a fluid condition, in the form of a watery solution, is necessary. Ingested and excreted
substances can be seen to be ‘floating in the organism’. This floating substance circulates
through the organism, conforming to the physiological laws and the ‘time pattern’ of the
organism, or it can circulate in nature, obeying natural laws.
7.3.2. Metamorphosis
7.4. Life processes and consciousness
7.4.1. Consciousness, physiology, and reflexes
The state of consciousness can influence metabolism. Psychological events can change
the physiology of metabolism in a split second. Fear, anger, and happiness are well known
for their physiological effects. They each represent a different state of consciousness as
well as a psychological experience. Acceleration of the heartbeat, sweating, trembling and
many other physiological events occur, induced by psychological events which go hand in
hand with heightening or lowering of consciousness.
The immunological status of the body is also highly influenced by feelings of discomfort
Embryology - 45
➔ Organic vital processes are subject to a specific time structure and a morphological
development (metamorphosis); this characterizes life processes.
Bolk’s Companions
A second phenomenon in the realm of life is ‘metamorphosis’. Metamorphosis is the
development of different bodily forms of an organism during life. Not only the physical
substance changes in an ongoing process, even the form of the body changes. Embryology
is the science par excellence to study changes in the form of the body: metamorphosis.
The human body undergoes formative change every day. After the embryological period,
during which time metamorphosis is impressive, the changing of the bodily form slows
down, but it never stops, not even for one day.
48. or of well-being. The first diminishes the immunological status, the latter enhances it.
These and other phenomena demonstrate a close relation between psychological events
and physiological response.
All organisms with a certain level of conscious awareness have contractile (muscle)
elements and a nervous system. That is the basis of any reflex cycle: perception leading to
a reaction. We can destroy this cycle by destroying either the nerves or the contractile part
of the cycle.
It is important to emphasize that there is a difference between plants and animals
reacting to stimuli. Plants react slowly and do not have contractile elements or nervous
tissue. Much of their reaction can be understood as ‘growing movement’. It is not ‘reactive
motion’ evoked by the impact of the perception in the way a reflex takes place in animal
life. Plants react mainly with biochemical and humoral processes, while neural reactions
are characteristic of animal life.
Plant life can be described in terms of biochemistry and morphology only. It is, however,
not sufficient to describe animal life in this way. In animals psycho-neuro-pharmacology
plays an added role in biochemistry.
7.4.2. Psycho-neuro-pharmacology
Animals are the only suitable test objects when drugs such as tranquilizers or
psychostimulants are tested. The testing requires the existence of an independent
consciousness and psycho-neuro-pharmacology in the test object. Plants are useless for
testing tranquilizer effect.
Psycho-neuro-pharmacology depends on highly specialized organs. Brain and nervous
tissue are not the only necessary organs. Thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, kidneys, liver,
pancreas, gonads, adrenals and pituarity gland are also organs necessary for conscious
life, perception, and movement. They form the basis for psychopharmacological processes.
The development of mesoderm and the beginning development of nervous tissue, internal
organs, the muscle system and sense organs (chapter 5) characterize the end of the third
week of development. Gastrulation was described as the archetypal phenomenon of
‘animalization’ of the organism. When we take into account the foregoing, concerning
49. psycho-neuro-pharmacology, the characteristic of the third phase of development is that it
is a specific ‘animalistic’ phase of development.
7.4.3. A relation between the inner and outer world
➔ The existence of conscious experience in addition to physiological processes
and the possibility to influence physiology by means of psychological
events is characteristic for animalization.
Bolk’s Companions
Conscious awareness creates an ‘inner world’ for the organism. Perception penetrates
into this inner world from outside. Behavior (reactive impulse) takes the opposite route:
it starts in the inner world and results in an activity in the outer world. That process can
be described in terms of biochemistry, physiology, and neuromuscular events. Conscious
experience, however, can only be described as a psychological phenomenon.
7.5. Consciousness, behavior and determinism
Embryology - 47
Animal organisms are highly specialized. Specialization takes place both on a
morphological and a functional level, and these levels are linked together. The result of
specializing in this way is twofold. On the one hand, animals have unique and specialized
skills for perception and reaction; on the other hand, the loss of developmental possibilities
is evident. Animals are unequalled in their specific skills, and at the same time condemned
to only one way of living. A high level of specialization of an organism goes together with
loss of the possibility to use the body for multiple functions. This type of specialization we
would like to characterize as instrumental specialization. In instrumental specialization
mainly the sense organs, the trunk and the limbs develop in a specific way.
Perception and reaction are strongly determined by morphology and physiology. From
the moment we know how animals behave in the context of their instinct, their behavior
is highly predictable. Instinct can be characterized as ‘determinism of perception and
reaction’.
50. The human body is not a tool for specialized instrumental functions. Sense organs, jaws,
teeth, hands and feet are not fit for just a few functions, like smelling, chewing, grasping,
or running. Human behavior is not necessarily predictable. It is exactly the unpredictable
that makes human beings special.
Human creativity is most remarkable. Characteristic of this creativity is the freedom to act.
Human beings ‘can do whatever they want’. Animals ‘must do what they can do’. Human
beings can ‘learn to observe what they want to observe’, animals ‘must observe what they
are fit for’.
In looking at human morphology, Louis Bolk came to the conclusion that the human body
shows the unique tendency to avoid instrumental specialization. The possibility for further
and ongoing development can be likened to the embryological state. Embryos have the
greatest possibilities of development and specialization.
According to Bolk, human morphology shows clearly that the possibility for ongoing
development, even into adulthood, is inherent in the shape of the human body.
That means that the human body has a form which corresponds to early phases of
development. Early stages of animal limbs do have five digits. In the course of animal
development one or more segments can become rudimentary. In many beasts of prey (e.g.
the lion) four digits develop and specialize into claws. In onehoofed animals (e.g. the horse)
only one digit develops completely and specializes to become a hoof; the other digits are
rudimentary (fig. 7.1).
Human physiology and psychology make clear that the aspect of ‘not being specialized’
is not only a bodily morphological issue. Human physiology and psychology show a great
variety and a striking lack of determinism.
Yet it cannot be denied that humans have a high degree of specialization.
Evolution can be divided into a natural and a cultural aspect. On the cultural level,
evolution of humans is in full swing.
The impetus for natural evolution was metamorphosis on a biological level. In cultural
evolution the possibility of metamorphosis is also the basis for development. It is striking
51. to see that in the realms of knowledge and social life metamorphosis is as vital for
development as it has been in natural development.
Humans have ‘internalized’ the epicenter of metamorphosis as a part of their
organization.
➔ Psychological and mental ability characterizes the human being’s
specialization.
➔ Only humans have a lifelong possibility for ongoing development;
only humans can overcome the force of determinism and
enter the realm of freedom.
Bolk’s Companions
This ability creates a ‘multipotent organism’ for which the highly specialized organisms
of animals do not fit. Therefore, the biological status of humans indicates that there is a
possibility to be free of determinism. Freedom, however, can be realized only in the inner
life, where self-awareness guides metamorphosis.
Embryology - 49
52. A
B
C
Fig. 7.1. Limb development in A: Human B: the Lion C: the Horse (from Verhulst, 1999)
Fig. 7.1 Limb development in: A: Human B: the Lion C: the Horse
(from Verhulst, 1999)
53. 8. Four qualities in early development: morphodynamics
8.1. General aspects
Bolk’s Companions
From a morpho-physiological point of view, early human development can be divided into
different phases. It is important to emphasize that a new developmental impulse affects
the complete morphological and physiological results of metamorphosis of previous
phases. This means that such an impulse marks the starting point for a new developmental
quality. From then, on this new quality works throughout the whole organism. When the
biological clock starts working, the whole organism is taken into a time process. When
the folding processes start, the whole organism is involved, and the same happens when
unfolding takes place. Morphological development often shows opposing dynamics
in different phases. Observation of the different phases clarifies the different dynamic
processes.
Embryology - 51
54. 8.2. Relation between center and periphery
8.2.1. Morphodynamics in the first phase
When the zygote develops into a morula, the morphodynamic process is cleavage division.
This process mostly has a centripetal direction. Development is oriented towards its own
center, and during this phase the blastomeres increasingly stick together.
Fig. 8.1. Morphodynamics in the first phase
8.2.2. Morphodynamics in the second phase
After nidation a strong centrifugal dynamic can be seen in the development of the
trophoblast.
Development of the second week, therefore, is oriented towards the periphery.
Fig. 8.2. Morphodynamics in the second phase
55. 8.2.3. Morphodynamics in the third phase
If trophoblast formation does not come to an end, development will become pathological.
This pathological development results in a hydatiform mole.
When the trilaminar germ disc is formed, development changes direction again to become
a centripetal process. Morphological changes are focused in the germ disc. Invagination
and formation of the mesoderm are remarkable for their central position in the body of the
embryo.
Bolk’s Companions
Fig. 8.3. Morphodynamics in the third phase
The folding processes are neither merely centripetal nor centrifugal. The formation of the
body cavity involves the shaping of a hollow form. This process can be characterized as
follows:
Embryology - 53
8.2.4. Morphodynamics in the fourth phase
56. Fig. 8.4 A Morphodynamics in the fouth phase: folding
The unfolding process has the opposite direction:
Fig. 8.4 B Morphodynamics in the fouth phase: unfolding
57. 9. Synopsis
9.1. Phases of development
In this synopsis figure 9.1 show in a scheme the different aspects of the four phases
in early human development. It should be emphasized that each new phase embodies
a metamorphosis of the foregoing one, and is the beginning of an ongoing process
throughout the development of the organism. Development is not a summary of different
stages. When a new phase starts the whole embryo enters a new morphodynamic process.
It is important to be aware that the fourth phase goes on till the moment of birth.
Bolk’s Companions
In order to find a new framework within which to interpret living processe in the preface we
started our aim: ‘we chose the dynamic quality in morphological phases for this purpose’.
We emphasized that: ‘the dynamic quality in morphological phases can be shown to refer
to functional processes in biology’, subsequently we demonstrated that these functional
processes give rise to the shape of the body, specific possibilities for behavior and for the
development of consciousness.
Embryology - 55
58. PHASE I
PHASE II
PHASE III
PHASE IV
Physical condition
Biological clock
Physiology and
Time-related structure
Formation of the
mesoderm and the
trilaminar
germ disc
Folding processes
and organogenesis,
followed by unfolding
Object in space
Polarization
in space
6th day
Shaping body cavities,
and structures for
conscious functions
Trilaminar germ disc
Blastula
Morula
Threefold
orientation in
space
12th day
18th day
Human state:
physical, physiological,
psychological and the
possibility freedom of
choice
Physical, physiological,
and psychological state
Physical and
physiological state
Physical state
Fig. 9.1. Schematic representation of chapters 6 and 7: turning points in development and the
processes involved and the different phases of development.
59. Literature
Bolk’s Companions
Blechschmidt E. Vom Ei zum Embryo, Deutsche Verlags-Anstalt GmbH., Stuttgart, 1968.
Bortoft H. Goethes naturwissenschaftliche Methode, Verlag Freies Geistesleben, Stuttgart 1995.
Drews U. Color Atlas of Embryology, Thieme Verlag,1995.
Sadler TW and Langman J. Langman’s medical embryology, Lippincot Williams Wilkins,1995
Poppelbaum H. Mensch und Tier, Rudolf Gering Verlag, Basel 1933.
Rohen JW. Morphologie des menschlichen Organismus, Verlag Freies Geistesleben Urachhaus GmbH,1998.
Rose S. Lifelines, Penguin Books,1997.
Steiner R. Goethes Weltanschauung, 1. Auflage, Weimar 1897 (GA 6)
Verhulst G. Der Erstgeborene, Mensch und höhere Tiere in der Evolution. Verlag Freies Geistesleben,
Stuttgart 1999.
Vögler H. Human Blastogenesis, Bibliotheca Anatomica 30, Karger, 1987.
Embryology - 57
62. BOLK’S COMPANIONS FOR THE STUDY OF MEDICINE
Other publications in the series:
Biochemistry
Metabolism from a
Phenom nological Point of View
e
Anatomy
Morphological anatomy from a
Phenomenological Point‑of View
Physiology
Organphysiology from a
Phenomenological Point of View
Immunology
Self and Non-self from a
Phenomenological Point of View
Christa van Tellingen, M.D.
Publicationnumber GVO 02
Guus van der Bie, M.D.
Publicationnumber GVO 03
Christa van Tellingen, M.D.
Publicationnumber GVO 04
Guus van der Bie MD
Publicationnumber GVO 05
Biochemistry offers insight into
the continuous changes within
the human organism. But can
we maintain awareness of the
coherence of the (changing)
organism as we study the details?
How can the many processes be
understood as prototypical aspects
of a unique organism?
The scope of the answers to
these questions can be enhanced
by using a combination of the
current scientific method and
a
phenomenological
method
developed specifically to research
the coherence of processes
within living organisms. The
current scientific method is used
to discover biological facts. The
phenomenological approach helps
us in finding the meaning of the
facts.
What emerges is a new grasp
of the interelations between
r
biological processes, consciousness,
psychology, and behavior.
Can we give a scientific basis to our
feeling that the human being has
unique human features? Are the
human mind and the human body
‘nothing but’ another variation of
animal life? Can we find answers for
these questions that satisfy both our
head and our heart?
How these questions are answered
depends on the scientific method we
use. In this publication two methods
are used: the current scientific
method to learn about anatomical
facts and the phenomenological
method to understand the meaning
of these facts.
Human morphology can then be
understood as an expression of the
unique and characteristic qualities
of the human being.
This results in new possibilities
for under tanding the relation
s
between consciousness, psychology,
behavior,
and
morphological
aspects of the body.
Can physiology give more insight
into the living human organism
than the mere facts reveal at first?
Is the level of activity the same for
all organs? Are the vital qualities at
work in organs unique for organisms
and limited to biological activity?
Can we find a scientific basis to
research the coherence between
organ systems?
By enhancing the current scientific
method with phenomenological
points of view we can find meaning
in the facts and understand them
as an expression of life itself. The
phenomenological method makes
the relation between organs visible
and comprehensible. It approaches
scientific facts from the point of
view of their coherence and can
give totally new insights this way.
What emerges is a grasp of the
interrelations between biological
processes,
consciousness,
and
nature.
Why write this new booklet on
immunology when there are already
so many excellent texts on the subject?
This Companion is about questions
such as: why is it that the immune
system functions as one organ?
What coordinates the immunological
functions?
Here, an attempt is made to develop
a viewpoint to answer these questions.
By using a phenomenological
ap roach, the factual knowledge
p
obtained through reductionism is
placed in a larger perspective.
The concept that is presented in
this Companion is derived from the
functioning of organisms, observed
in the way that was introduced by
Goethe in his phenomenological
method. This also includes the
acquisition of insight into the holistic
concept behind the immune system.
Moreover, the organism as a whole
can then be seen as an expression of
the same concept.
63. BOLK’S COMPANIONS
FOR THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE
Other publication in the series:
Pharmacology
Selected Topics from a
Phenomenological Point of View
Christa van Tellingen MD
Publicationnumber GVO 06
Pharmacology gives us insight
into the way organic processes
change when foreign compounds
are introduced into the organism.
Pharmacology is a changeable
subject, depending on the needs
and knowledge of the time. Can
we find an inner coherence in the
manifold ways compounds influence
organisms? What should such a
framework be based on? How can
we understand the effect on human
consciousness that most compounds
have?
We can enhance the scope of the
answers to these questions by using a
combination of the current scientific
method and a phenomenological
method. It illuminates the known
facts about the activity of compounds
in organisms, and provides the
means to find their significance.
The Healing Process
Organ of Repair
Guus van der Bie MD
Tom Scheffers MD
Christa van Tellingen MD
Publicationnumber GVO 07
After finalizing the series BOLK’S
Companions for the Study of
Medicine for the moment, this
module on The Healing Process
introduces a new series of BOLK’S
Companions that studies the
Practice of Medicine. In it, we
research the healing process itself.
There proved to be an enormous
volume of scientific literature on the
subject. It is easy to loose oneself in
the countless details included in the
descriptions of this process.
The phenomenological method of
systems biology makes it possible
to examine physiological and
pathological processes in terms
of the processes themselves. This
results in a characterization of the
various phases of the wound healing
process. Out of this, new insights
into the origin of health and disease
emerged that also offer possible
leads for medical practice.
Respiratory System
Disorders and Therapy
From a New, Dynamic Viewpoint
Christa van Tellingen MD
Guus van der Bie MD (eds.)
Publicationnumber GVO 08
In this Companion, the experience
of three of our own patients with
asthma and pneumonia is used
as backdrop for our study of
airway disorders. Nearly all of us
have had some experience with
respiratory disease, given that
colds, flus, sinusitis, and bronchitis
are so common. Most physicians
and therapists know people with
asthma and pneumonia from own
experience and will readily recognize
the descriptions we provide.
The experience with these patients
leads us through a study of airway
disease which eventually opens up to
a wider view with new insights and
innovative avenues of treatment for
respiratory disorders in general.
Our research has alerted us to the
part rhythm plays in the healthy
respiratory tract and in the treatment
of its disease. Rhythm, consequently,
is the subject of the final paragraphs
of this Companion.
Depressive Disorders
An Integral Psychiatric Approach
Marko van Gerven MD
Christa van Tellingen MD
Publicationnumber GVO 09
The treatment of depressive disorders
is increasingly under scrutiny.
We classified the risk factors of
depressive disorders according to the
scientific method applied in systems
biology and phenomenology. The
ordering in four biological levels that
resulted from this, helps clarify the
causes of the disorder. Together with
the developmental history, it can lead
to an individualized treatment of the
patient, tailored to his or her specific
situation. The treatment aims at
restoring the deficient forces of selfhealing.
This Companion presents a working
model based on this methodological
approach, as well as a variety of case
histories to illustrate how applying
this model can aid diagnosis and
treatment in practice. Tables are
added ordering well-researched
regular and integral treatment
methods according to the four
biological levels.
For ways to order the Companions see inside of front cover or check our website: www.louisbolk.org/companions
64. Embryology
Can we give a scientific basis to our
feeling that humans have unique
human features? Are the human mind
and the human organism ‘nothing but’
another variation of animal life? Can
we find answers for these questions
that satisfy both head and heart?
How these questions are answered
depends on the scientific method we
use. In this publication two methods
are used: the current scientific method
to learn about biological facts and
the phenomenological method to
understand more about the meaning
of these facts.
Early embryological development
can teach us about the unique and
characteristic qualities of the human
being.
The result is, for example, a possibility
to understand the relation between
consciousness, psychology, and
behavior and the shape of the body.
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