Prenatal Development

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to prenatal development, including definitions of key terms and concepts from the lecture.

Prenatal period

The stage of human development that occurs from conception to birth.

Germinal stage

Begins at fertilization, when sperm and egg form a zygote, lasting until implantation into the uterine wall.

Embryo

An organism from weeks 3 to 8 of prenatal development, during which major organs are formed.

Organogenesis

The process of major organ formation that occurs during the embryonic stage.

Foetal stage

The final stage of prenatal development, characterized by rapid growth and maturation of bodily systems.

Teratogens

Environmental agents that can cause harm or abnormal development in the embryo or foetus.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)

A range of effects caused by prenatal alcohol exposure, including cognitive and behavioral difficulties.

Critical periods

Specific times during prenatal development when exposure to teratogens can cause major structural defects.

Thalidomide

A sedative that caused limb deformities when taken during pregnancy and led to reforms in drug testing.

Age of viability

The point at which a foetus can survive outside the womb, usually around 24 weeks.