👉 In biology, a zygosphene is an abnormal structure in the developing embryo of a mammal. It occurs when the placenta does not provide enough oxygen for the developing fetus's heart and lungs to develop properly. This can lead to complications such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) or malnutrition. The term "zygosphene" refers to a part of a mammal that is abnormal in its development, specifically referring to the lack of oxygen supply to the developing heart and lungs