Editing Embryology (section)

== Origins of modern embryology ==
Until the birth of modern embryology through observation of the mammalian ovum by [[Karl Ernst von Baer]] in 1827, there was no clear scientific understanding of embryology, although later discussions in this article show that some cultures had a fairly refined understanding of some of the principles. Only in the late 1950s when ultrasound was first used for uterine scanning, was the true developmental chronology of human fetus available. [[Karl Ernst von Baer]] along with [[Heinz Christian Pander]], also proposed the [[germ layer]] theory of development which helped to explain how the embryo developed in progressive steps. Part of this explanation explored why embryos in many species often appear similar to one another in early developmental stages using his four principles.

=== Modern embryology research ===
Embryology is central to [[evolutionary developmental biology]] ("evo-devo"), which studies the genetic control of the development process (e.g. [[morphogen]]s), its link to [[cell signalling]], its roles in certain diseases and [[mutation]]s, and its links to [[stem cell]] research. Embryology is the key to [[Gestational Surrogacy]], which is when the sperm of the intended father and egg of intended mother are fused in a lab forming an embryo. This embryo is then put into the surrogate who carries the child to term.