A cellular matrix that first surrounds an implanted embryo and later occupies most of the endometrium.

Extension of a nerve cell, typically branched and relatively short, that receives stimuli from other nerve cells.

The process whereby an unspecialized early embryonic cell acquires the features of a specialized cell such as a heart, liver, or muscle cell.

A cell or tissue having two chromosome sets, as opposed to the haploid situation of gametes, which have only one chromosome set.

Deoxyribonucleic acid, a chemical found primarily in the nucleus of cells. DNA carries the instructions for making all the structures and materials the body needs to function.

A type of chemical modification of DNA that regulates gene expression.