Embryonic Development

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Embryonic development is usually distinguished in animals by embryogenesis, which consists of four stages which are the cleavage, patterning, differentiation, and growth. Differentiation stage is a crucial stage in the embryos development because the cells become specialized structures like the neurons, muscles, skin cells, etc..., which are then organized into tissues, tissue organs, and finally organ systems. During this stage, we can identify certain characteristics of the development of specific organ systems such as the nervous system. The nervous system in both invertebrates and vertebrates is crucial because of its specific functions towards the body system. Growth, on the other hand, is relatively important because it allows the certain parts of this nervous system to grow at certain times, ending with the result of a full functioning central nervous system (CNS). The embryonic development of the nervous system on mollusks is very important because of its relative complexity in nervous system to those among the vertebrates, and with enlarged axons, scientist can easily observe and study …show more content…

This central nervous system can be as simple as those found in the Platyhelminthes (flatworms), to those found in Cephalopods (for example squids, octopuses, and the cuttlefish), which are closely related to those in the Vertebrates. This vastly developed nervous system is bilaterally symmetrical and contains ganglia, nerves, connectives and much more, however, this nervous system has a more of a molluscan design rather than one like those in vertebrates. One reason for such complex nervous system is because of their active life-style, flexibility, and their complex behaviors depending on the extremity of circumstances of their environment or surroundings. Moreover, the cephalopods contain a higher cerebral and nervous function than compared to other mollusks (Budelmann,

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