vitelline membrane
C2Technical/Scientific
Definition
Meaning
The transparent, non-cellular membrane that immediately surrounds the yolk of an egg, particularly in avian and some reptile eggs.
In biology, a thin membrane enclosing the ovum (egg cell) cytoplasm in various animal groups, often functioning in fertilization and early embryonic development.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A highly specific term used almost exclusively in embryology, zoology, and reproductive biology. It denotes a precise anatomical structure, not a metaphorical concept.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling of related terms may differ (e.g., 'colour' vs 'color' in surrounding text).
Connotations
Identical scientific connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language; used with identical, niche frequency in both UK and US academic/technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The vitelline membrane (verb: surrounds/encloses/protects) the yolk.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Never used.
Academic
Used in biology, veterinary science, and agricultural science papers discussing avian reproduction or embryology.
Everyday
Virtually never used outside of specific scientific contexts or advanced cooking/culinary science.
Technical
Core term in embryology manuals, zoology textbooks, and poultry science research.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The vitelline layer was clearly visible under the microscope.
- We studied vitelline membrane permeability.
American English
- The vitelline layer was clearly visible under the microscope.
- We studied vitelline membrane permeability.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In a chicken egg, the vitelline membrane holds the yolk together.
- If the vitelline membrane breaks, the yolk will mix with the white.
- The sperm must enzymatically dissolve a portion of the vitelline membrane to achieve fertilization.
- Researchers observed the hardening of the vitelline membrane post-fertilisation, a process critical for blocking polyspermy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'vitellus' (Latin for yolk) + 'line' → the line/membrane around the yolk.
Conceptual Metaphor
A NATURAL BOUNDARY/SAFETY BARRIER: conceptualized as a protective sac or border.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'vitelline' as 'вителлиновый' without confirming context; the term is a direct loan. The Russian equivalent is often 'желточная оболочка'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'viteline' or 'vitellin'.
- Confusing it with the 'shell membrane' or the 'zona pellucida' (in mammals).
- Using it as a general term for any egg membrane.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'vitelline membrane' primarily used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The vitelline membrane is inside the egg, directly surrounding the yolk. The eggshell is the hard, outermost calcium carbonate covering.
Yes, it is the thin, translucent sac that holds the yolk intact. When you break a yolk, you are breaking the vitelline membrane.
Most animal eggs have some form of vitelline membrane or analogous structure, though its composition and name may vary across species (e.g., zona pellucida in mammals).
Its primary functions are to contain the yolk material, provide a structural barrier, and in fertilized eggs, to participate in the block to polyspermy (preventing multiple sperm from entering).