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Glite Dictionary
umbilical vesicle

umbilical vesicle

9.9
A small sac in early mammal embryos that carries blood and nutrients before the heart works
  • noun
  • /ˌʌmˈbɪlɪkəl ˈvɛsɪkəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : vesícula umbilical
  • In mammals, the umbilical vesicle plays a vital role in early embryonic development.

Examples

  • Damage to the umbilical vesicle can result in developmental abnormalities.

  • The contents of the umbilical vesicle are gradually absorbed as the embryo matures.

  • The umbilical vesicle plays a crucial role in early development.

  • What is the function of the umbilical vesicle?

  • The umbilical vesicle is essential for providing nutrients to the embryo during the first stages of development.

  • As the embryo grows, the umbilical vesicle gradually diminishes while other structures take over its functions.

  • In mammals, the umbilical vesicle supports the embryo by acting as a temporary circulatory system until the heart develops.

Synonyms

vesicula umbilicus
vsumbilical vesicle
  • Specialized
9.9

A thin membrane in early mammal embryos that carries blood until the heart begins to beat

has identical meaning but is an alternative term for the same structure
vitelline sac
vsumbilical vesicle
  • Specialized
9.9

A thin bag in early embryos that carries blood and nutrients before the heart works

has identical meaning but is an alternative term for the same structure

Surface Forms

umbilical vesicle singular
umbilical vesicles plural

Morphology

umbilical + vesicle

The compound is compositionally built from 'umbilical' (pertaining to the navel/umbilical cord) and 'vesicle' (a small bladder-like sac), so a learner who knows both words can infer it is a sac related to the navel/umbilical region. However, the specific embryological role described (acting as a temporary circulatory structure) is specialist information not predictable from the constituents alone, so the expression is only partially transparent to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Umbilical vesicle brings to mind two simple images: umbilical meaning the 'belly button' area and vesicle meaning a 'small sac'. One clear image is a tiny sac near the embryo's belly that carries food and early blood before the heart works, so the term means an early support sac for the embryo.