Transcript Slide 1
Fertilization, Development, and Birth
Introduction
• Childbirth is one of the most amazing processes that a female
can experience.
• The miracle of life cannot be regarded lightly, or without a
natural curiosity as to how it all happens.
• Fertilization, development and birth are where much of the
mystery of life takes place.
• During our disscussion today, we’ll consider the major aspects
of fetal development.
Fertilization, the initial step where and sperm unite, leads to
the formation of a zygote.
Cells of the corona radiata nourished the egg following its release
from the follicle. Now they serves as protection.
The zona pellucida is analogous to a cell membrane.
Ferilization
• Only one sperm usually enters the egg during fertilization.
• Upon entry of the first sperm, changes in the egg’s plasma
membrane and zona pellucida prevent additional eggs from
entering.
• If multiple sperm do get in, then a condition of polyspermy
occurs.
• Retracting of the zona pellucida away from the egg surface
further prevents fertilization by “rogue sperm.”
Human Development at a Glance
• Cell development immediately following fertilization consists
of multiple cell divisions without an increase in mass, known
as cleavage. (Rem: 2, 4, 8, 16, etc.)j
• Cellular growth occurs during embryonic development.
• Following cell growth, a period of morphogenesis takes place
when the embryo is shaped.
• Finally, cells begin to take on specific functions during the
differentiation stage.
Extraembryonic membranes, outside the embryo also serve various
function in embryonic development.
Chorion:placenta
Yolk sac:blood cell
formation
Allantois:unbilical
chord
Amnion: aminiotic
fluid
Pre-embyronic Development:
Cells within the morula and blastocyst
are undifferentiated.
Identical twin development is possible during this time.
Embryonic Development
Week 2:
• Implantation occurs
• Trophoblast secretions digest endometrium to prepare
implantation sight.
• Human chorionic gonadotropin is secreted at this time
as well, which ensures that the uterine lining isn’t
shed, resulting in a miscarriage.
• Also, the amiotic cavity (fluid) is formed to protect
the developing embyro and later the fetus.
Fig. 08-04
Embryonic Development
Week 2:
• Gastrulation (a type of morphogenesis) occurs and
three cellular layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm)
are formed.
• All organs can be traced back to the development of
on of these tissues.
Embryonic Development
Week 3:
• Formation of the nervous system is now taking place.
• Spinal chord formation from the nerual tube is
evident.
• The heart also begins to form.
Embryonic Development
Week 4-5:
• Right now the embryo isn’t any larger than a small
ant.
• Development of the umbilical chord, limb buds, ears,
eyes and a nose begins.
Embryonic Development
Week 6-8:
• Human form is easily recognized during this stage of
development.
• Reflex actions from a maturing nervous system are
also evident.
• Placental development continues.
Placenta
-The placenta is the medium through which nutrients, wastes, and oxygen
are transferred to the fetus from the mother.
-Maternal blood rarely mixes with fetal blood, since passage of nutrition,
etc. takes place by difusion.
-Because of this process, the main organs of the fetus do not function.
-REM: Anything mom gets, baby gets (more later)!
Fetal Development
From the 3rd through the 9th month its all fetus!
3rd & 4th Month (6 oz.):
• Appearance of fingernails, nipples, eyelashes, eybrows, and
hair are all epidermal developments during this stage.
• Cartilage to bone transformation occurs
• Fontanels (become skull) allow flexibility of head during birth.
• We can hear the fetal heartbeat too!
Fetal Development
5th & 7th Month (3lbs.)
•Football season begins!!
(or so my wife thought)
•Fetal movement is obvious!
•Formation of the lanugo (downy
covering on skin) and vernix
caseosa (cheese-like covering)
complete.
•Babies born prematurely at this
stage of development have an
excellent chance of surviving.
Fetal Development
8th-9th Month (>7lbs.)
• Fetus rotates in preparation for birth (if not, then breech and
caesarean section is necessary.)
• At the end of 9 months contractions may begin to occur.
• Braxton Hicks contractions may occur and result in false labor.
• True labor is marked by contractions lasting 40 seconds in
duration, occuring every 10-20 minutes.
1-2 minute contractions
Among the many
changes which females
experience during pregnancy,
development of breastmilk is
one of the most important for
new born fetuses.
Also,
Weight gain
Constipation
Hormonal flux
Cravings
Morning sickness
It’s all good, right?
Fig. 8B
Fig. 8A
Michael Clancy