Morphogenesis

Morphogenesis is the set of biological processes that generates the shape and structure of tissues and organisms. It arises through coordinated cell behaviors, signaling, and physical forces.

Cell differentiation: The process by which a cell acquires specialized structure and function. Distinct cell types create the different components needed to shape a tissue.
Embryonic development: The process through which an embryo forms and develops into a new organism. Morphogenesis is a central part of the broader course of embryonic development.
Gastrulation: The embryonic process that reorganizes cells into the primary germ layers. Large-scale cell rearrangements establish the body plan and tissue layers.
Cell proliferation: The increase in cell number through cell division. Proliferation supplies tissue mass, but does not by itself explain how that mass acquires shape.
Cell migration: The directed movement of cells from one location to another. Migrating cells rearrange tissues and populate new regions during development.
Cell signaling: Communication processes by which cells detect and respond to molecular signals. Signaling systems coordinate the cell behaviors that produce form.
Neurulation: The embryonic process that forms the neural tube from the neural plate. Folding and closure turn a flat sheet into a defining structure of the nervous system.
Turing pattern: A spatial pattern generated when interacting substances diffuse and react at different rates. Reaction–diffusion can pattern tissues, but does not encompass all processes that build form.
Apical constriction: A cell-shape change in which contraction narrows a cell's apical surface. Constriction bends epithelial sheets into folds and tubes.
Morphogen: A signaling molecule whose concentration can specify different cell fates across a tissue. Morphogen gradients provide positional information that helps pattern developing structures.

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