Chapter 9: Problem 23

Describe what happens in the embryonic stage of development. Describe what happens in the fetal stage of development.

Short Answer

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The embryonic stage, from week 2 to 8 after fertilization, involves division of the zygote into an embryo with the formation of cell layers that give rise to organs and tissues. The fetal stage, from week 9 until birth, is marked by major growth and maturation of organs and tissues, and the fetus begins to show movement.

Step by step solution

Describe the Embryonic Stage

The embryonic stage is the period from the second week to the eighth week after fertilization. During this time, the zygote divides and grows into an embryo, a cluster of cells. The inner cell mass further differentiates to form three distinctive layers: endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm, which will give rise to all the organs and tissues in the body. The heart starts to beat and circulate blood. This is also the phase when the neural tube forms, which later develops into the brain and spinal cord.

Describe the Fetal Stage

The fetal stage begins from the ninth week after fertilization and continues until birth. This is characterized by tremendous growth and differentiation of organs and tissues. By the end of the third month, all the organs are formed, and from then onward, they mature and become fully functional. The fetus also begins to exhibit movements, and by the end of this stage, it's capable of living independently outside the womb, given it has reached full term.

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Describe what happens in the embryonic stage of development. Describe what happens in the fetal stage of development.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Describe the Embryonic Stage

Describe the Fetal Stage

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