Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction to the developing human -- The beginning of human development: first week -- Formation of bilaminar embryonic disc: second week -- Formation of germ layers and early tissue and organ differentiation: third week -- Organogenetic period: fourth to eighth weeks -- The fetal period: ninth week to birth -- the placenta and fetal membranes -- Body cavities, mesenteries, and diaphragm -- The pharyngeal apparatus -- The respiratory system -- The digestive system -- The urogenital system -- The cardiovascular system -- The skeletal system -- The muscular system -- The limbs -- The nervous system -- The eye and ear -- The integumentary system -- Congenital anatomical anomalies or human birth defects -- Common signaling pathways used during development.