Allantoides

/əˈlæntɔɪdiz/ noun

Definition

A membrane or structure shaped like a sausage that develops in some animal embryos and helps with waste removal and gas exchange.

Etymology

From Greek 'allas' (sausage) and '-oides' (resembling), literally meaning 'sausage-like.' The term was coined in the 1600s by anatomists describing embryonic membranes.

Kelly Says

This structure is a leftover from our evolutionary past—we still have a tiny remnant of it in our bodies today! It's why your belly button exists.

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