Includes bibliographical references and index.

Getting ready for pregnancy -- Transport of gametes and fertilization -- Cleavage and implantation -- Molecular basis for embryonic development -- Formation of germ layers and early derivatives -- Establishment of the basic embryonic body plan -- Placenta and extraembryonic membranes -- Developmental disorders : causes, mechanisms, and patterns -- Integumentary, skeletal, and muscular systems -- Limb development -- Nervous system -- Neural crest -- Sense organs -- Head and neck -- Digestive and respiratory systems and body cavities -- Urogenital system -- Cardiovascular system -- Fetal period and birth.