The product of fertilization is a one-cell embryo with a diploid complement of chromosomes. Over the next few days, the mammalian embryo undergoes a series of cell divisions, ultimately leading to formation of a hollow sphere of cells known as a blastocyst. At some point between fertilization and blastocyst formation, the embryo moves out of the oviduct, into the lumen of the uterus.The images below demonstrate major transitions in structure during early embryogenesis in cattle. Note that in all of the the early stages, the embryo is encased in its zona pellucida. Embryos from other mammals have a very similar appearance, and the general sequence of stages is seen in all mammals.
