An image showing things related to embryology - a fetus, sperm, a uterus, and follicles around the words "Embryo Tales"

Learning About Embryology

Embryology starts with the study of embryos and their development. It also includes all aspects of reproduction and related health as well. Scientists are still learning new things about reproduction and development every day. Embryo Tales are stories about this broad area of science. 

Embryo Tales are based on articles that are a part of the Embryo Project, which is an encyclopedia on all things embryology and reproduction. In these Embryo Tales, you may find stories on tissue development, menstruation, sex chromosomes, what it means to be intersex, the history of reproductive biology, and much, much more. 

If you want to take a step further and learn more about any of these subjects, look on each story page for the links to the Embryo Project articles on which they were based.

Special thanks to Arizona State University's Center for Biology and Society and to the editors who have helped create these stories: Dina Ziganshina, Risa Schnebly, Emily Santora, and Dr. Biology.

A woman clutching her abdomen, experiencing period cramps.

Periods: What Should You Expect?

Written by: 
Emily Santora
Sometimes things don’t work as you expect them to, including periods. Learn more about what causes some girls to have irregular or painful periods.
Plan B One-Step Emergency Contraception packaging

Preventing Pregnancy with Plan B

Written by: 
Molly Jacobson
Is there any way to prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse? Learn about Plan B, an emergency contraceptive.
A clay votive sculpture of a uterus

Shedding Light on Endometriosis

Written by: 
Emily Santora
A lot of illnesses, like colds, have very visible symptoms, but other conditions are not so obvious. Learn about how people spot and treat a condition called endometriosis.
A side view illustration of the internal female reproductive system

Summarizing Sex Traits

Written by: 
Risa Aria Schnebly
Our biological sex affects the way we look in some obvious ways, like deciding what body parts we are born with. But, it also has effects on a range of other sexual traits that you might not expect.
An image of ovaries in a person with PCOS. The image features an external look at a bumpy ovary attached to the rest of the female reproductive system, as well as a close-up, detailed look at the cysts within the ovary.

The Mysterious Case of the Missing Periods

Written by: 
Emily Santora
Estrogen and testosterone are two hormones that cause puberty. But what happens when the body doesn’t produce the amounts of hormones that it usually does?
A picture of two young twin girls smiling.

Twin Tales

Written by: 
Tazeen Ulhaque and Whitney Alexandra Tuoti
Have you ever wondered why some twins look so alike and other siblings may not? Let’s explore how twins form in the womb and how they may grow up to be similar or different.
A red alarm clock sitting on top of a pile of green sanitary pads next to a tampon

What Is the Menstrual Cycle?

Written by: 
Emily Santora
Most girls around the world have periods, but how and why do periods happen? Periods are part of the menstrual cycle, which is an essential part of the female reproductive system.
Male sex chromosomes, XY

Xs and Ys: How Our Sex Is Decided

Written by: 
Risa Aria Schnebly
Our biological sex determines a lot about the way our bodies look and function. But what determines our biological sex?

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