Physics of vortices in embryo development. Experimental evidence, and models.

All images here after are built by using the PIV technique (Tracker module in Image J, courtesy of O. Cardoso). The movies can be found in the page Gallery of embryos .
Vortex flow at the blastula stage.
Vortex flow at an early stage of recession of Hensen's node. NB : Hensen's node is nothing but the apex of a furrow.
Early chord extension, beginning of the splitting of the blastula/gastrula into four quadrants.
Final establishment of the four quadrants.
The four quadrants are well established. The cardiac-gut fold is starting to form (in the anterior area, and underneath). The neural crests are advected (they flow) towards the median axis.
Continuation of the vortices, during the folding of the neural crests. The head is forming in the anterior area, while the cardiac fold is pulling underneath on the entire head region.
The explanations about vortices continue See more vortices
The quotation of the page : "Whenever certain causes produce certain effects, the elements of symmetry of the causes ought to be found in the elements of symmetry of the effects", Pierre Curie.
Go back to front page