| yolk sac 
 
 1. membranous structure that functions as the circulatory system in mammalian embryos until the heart becomes functional
 • Syn:
 vitelline sac, umbilical vesicle, vesicula umbilicus
 • Hypernyms:
 sac
 2. membranous structure enclosing the yolk of eggs in birds, reptiles, marsupials, and some fishes;
 circulates nutrients to the developing embryo
 • Hypernyms:
 sac
 
 
 |  |