Fetal Development

Fertilization
 Fertilization
A. The sperm are deposited into the vagina.
B. The sperm then pass through the cervix, the
uterus, and into the fallopian tubes.
 Fertilization
C. If an egg is in a
uterine tube at the
same time, the
sperm try to
penetrate the egg.
D. The egg cell
membrane changes
so that no other
sperm can enter.
 Fertilization
E. Eventually, the
nucleus of the egg
and sperm fuse
together, creating
the first cell with 46
chromosomes
known as the
zygote.
 Cell Division
A. After fertilization
occurs, the zygote
undergoes
cleavage.
B. Cleavage is a
specialized form of
cell division in which
the resulting cells
are smaller than the
previous cells.
 Cell Division
C. The zygote forms
two cells.
D. The two cells form
four cells.
E. The four cells form
eight cells.
 Cell Division
F. Cleavage continues
until a hollow
sphere is formed,
which is eventually
filled with fluid. This
is called a
blastocyst.
 Implantation
A. The blastocyst is
capable of attaching
itself to the uterine
wall.
B. This occurs
approximately 7 days
after fertilization.
C.The blastocyst is now
called an embryo.
 Implantation
D. Implantation marks the beginning of pregnancy
or gestation, the period during which the baby
develops in the uterus.
E. After implantation, the embryo undergoes
more cells division and forms all basic layers,
tissues, and organs.
 Implantation
F. At 8 weeks, the embryo is now called a fetus.
The heart is beating, brain waves are
detectable, and all basic body parts are
present.
 Membranes
A. The developing embryo will form basic
membranes responsible for nourishing the
embryo/fetus during its development.
B. The placenta allows for the exchange of
nutrients and wastes between the
embryo/fetus and the mother.
 Membranes
C. The umbilical cord
contains blood
vessels, which
attach the
embryo/fetus to the
placenta.
 Membranes
D. The amnion is the
innermost of the
membranes. It
completely
surrounds the fetus
and is filled with
amniotic fluid, which
protects the fetus
and gives it a stable
environment.
 Development
A. 1st month - basic
formation of organs
B. 2nd month - heart
structure is
completed and
beating, growth of
cerebrum
 Development
C. 3rd month - skin more prominant, definite brain
and spinal cord structure
D. 4th month - fetus starts moving
 Development
E. 5th month -
production of nails
and nostrils open
F. 6th month - more
development of
various body organs
 Development
G. 7th month - eyelids
open, testes descend
H. 8th month - complete
lung and kidney
formation. Weight
gain by the fetus.
I. 9th month -
increased fat
deposition in the
skin. Weight gain by
the fetus.
Fetus - ultrasound
Birth
 Birth
A. The length of
human gestation is
an average of 40
weeks (9 months).
B. Dilation phase:
Muscular
contractions of the
uterus begin (labor)
to open up the
cervix. The amniotic
membranes rupture.
 Birth
C. Expulsion phase: The muscular
contractions of the uterus increase in
frequency and intensity to push the baby
(hopefully head first) out of the uterus,
into the vagina, and out of the mother's
body.
 Birth
D. Placental phase: The placenta is
released through the birth canal.