Extraembryonic tissue includes the four extraembryonic membranes which assist in the development of the animal embryo. The membranes occur in a range of animals from humans to insects. The tissue originates from the zygote, but is not considered part of the embryo. The membranes typically perform roles in nutrition, gas exchange and waste removal. [1]
There are four standard extraembryonic membranes in amniotes, i.e. reptiles (including birds) and mammals:
In humans and other mammals they are more usually called fetal membranes.
The extraembryonic membranes in insects include a serous membrane (serosa) originating from blastoderm cells, an amnion or amniotic cavity whose expression is controlled by the Zerknüllt gene, and a yolk sac. [3]