Embryology

International standards and resources

The International Federation of Associations of Anatomists publishes the official list of terminology for human embryology.

The World Association of Veterinary Anatomists publishes embryology terminology for animals in Nomina embryologica veterinaria.

Australian conventions and resources

The National Health and Medical Research Council has published Ethical guidelines on the use of assisted reproductive technology. 

Terms to watch out for:

embryo, fetus

See all terms

Fetus

Note that fetus and fetal are preferred spellings in Australia (and also in the United Kingdom), not foetus or foetal:

British Maternal and Fetal Medicine Society     Fetal Medicine Unit (Canberra Hospital)     New South Wales Fetal Therapy Centre     fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

This is in contrast with faeces and faecal, which retain the ae spelling (compared with feces and fecal in the United States).

Did you know? The spelling foetus is probably based on false analogy with words such as oedema and oestrogen. Fetus (which is a Latin word) is preferred in the medical literature, including in Australian medical journals and fetal medicine organisations.

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