What is yolk sac and how it is formed?
The yolk sac is formed from the hypoblast layer (a layer of cells in the early embryo) during the second week of embryonic development.
It develops as a small sac-like structure attached to the embryo.
In humans, it does not contain yolk, but is still called the "yolk sac" due to its presence in other animals like birds and reptiles.
Early Nutrition: Provides nutrition to the embryo before the placenta is fully developed.
Blood Cell Formation: It is the first site of blood cell formation (hematopoiesis) in the embryo.
Formation of Germ Cells: It produces primordial germ cells, which later form sperm or egg cells.