Development Stages from Zygote to Fetus

These flashcards cover key terminologies and definitions related to embryonic and fetal development.

Zygote

The product of the fertilization of an egg and sperm that merges to form a single cell.

Conception

The process of fertilization of an egg by a sperm, marking the beginning of pregnancy.

Ovulation

The release of a matured egg from the woman's ovaries into the uterine tube.

Embryo

The status of a zygote once it is implanted in the uterine wall, developing major organs.

Fetus

The stage of development from the 9th week after conception to birth, characterized by growth.

Placenta

The specialized organ that attaches to the uterine wall to provide nutrients and remove waste for the fetus.

Umbilical cord

The cord that links the embryo/fetus to the placenta, transferring materials between mother and fetus.

Teratogens

Harmful substances that can negatively affect fetal development, such as alcohol and drugs.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

A group of conditions resulting from alcohol exposure during pregnancy, including physical and behavioral issues.

Monozygotic twins

Identical twins resulting from a single zygote that splits into two.

Dizygotic twins

Fraternal twins resulting from two separate eggs fertilized by two different sperm.

Epigenetics

The study of changes in gene function that are heritable and not due to alterations in the DNA sequence.

Genome

The complete set of genes present in the cells of an organism.

Differentiation

The process by which cells begin to take on specific functions as development progresses.