implantation and development of the foetus Flashcards
what happens after fertilisation in the oviduct?
the zygote travels towards the uterus
how long will it take for the zygote to travel towards the uterus?
about 3 days
the zygote divides several times to form what?
a ball of cells known as an embryo
what happens once the embryo reaches the uterus?
the embryo embeds itself in the thick lining of the uterus (implantation) and continues to grow and develop
what is implantation?
when the embryo reaches the uterus and embeds itself in the thick lining of the uterus and continues to grow and develop
where does the placenta form?
where the embryo is attached
what is the placenta?
an organ that ensures materials can be exchanged between the blood of the mother and the blood of the growing embryo
when does the umbilical cord join?
the embryos blood supply to the placenta for exchange of nutrients and removal of waste products
what is the embryo surrounded by?
amniotic fluid
what is amniotic fluid?
a fluid made from the mothers blood plasma that is held in by the amniotic membrane (also known as the amniotic sac)
how does the amniotic fluid protect the embryo during development?
by cushioning it from bumps to the mothers abdomen
what is the gestation period?
where the embryo grows in the uterus for the next 9 months
what happens during the first 12 weeks?
major development of organs takes place within the first 12 weeks, during which the embryo gets nutrients from the mother by diffusion from the uterus lining
what is the remaining gestation time used for?
by the foetus to grow bigger in size
