Which area of study focuses on developments that occur before birth?

Embryology is the area of study that specifically focuses on the processes and developments that occur in the early stages of an organism's life, particularly before birth. This includes the formation of the embryo, the differentiation of cells, and the various stages of development leading up to birth. Studying embryology allows scientists and medical professionals to understand congenital conditions, developmental milestones, and issues that might arise during the critical periods of growth.

While developmental biology encompasses a broader scope that includes all stages of development from fertilization to maturity, embryology is more narrowly focused on the formative stages that occur prior to birth. Histology deals with the microscopic structure of tissues, and growth biology is not a widely recognized term in the same context. Each of these distinct areas has its own focus, but when it comes to pre-birth development specifically, embryology is the most accurate area of study.