This book was written to appeal to clinicians working in the areas of obstetrics and pediatrics and to basic scientists engaged in research that involves reproductive and developmental biology. It represents an admirable attempt to acquaint or reacquaint such clinicians with the scientific roots of their discipline, while presenting to the basic scientist, reproductive and developmental problems that have direct clinical relevance.
This is a multiauthored book with both PhDs and MDs serving as contributors. It is divided into four major sections that comprise 17 individual chapters, 11 of which are included in the last two sections. These chapters introduce and discuss a myriad of topics, including embryology, differentiation, molecular biology, genetics, immunology, endocrinology, and biochemistry.
The first section "Reproduction and Early Development" contains four chapters that concern mechanisms of conception, cell lineage, and commitment in the early embryo, and the molecular, genetic, and immunologic aspect of early development. Its