Fertilization and Development

Fertilization Until this point, we have assumed that the released egg was not fertilized by a sperm However, if sperm are in the Fallopian tube, there is a chance that the egg will become fertilized Sperm attaches by finding binding sites on egg Layer containing sites then dissolves, removing possibility of polyspermy

Two haploid nuclei merge to form diploid zygote Will begin to develop even before it reaches the uterus

Early Development Divided into three stages: Implantation Gastrulation Neurulation

Implantation After fertilization, zygote goes through a series of mitotic divisions, with very little time between each Reaches around 64 cells (solid ball), called a morula Morula is not much larger than original single cell Begins to hallow out, becomes blatocyst

Blastocyst will secrete digestive enzymes to burrow into uterine lining (recall it should be thickest now) about one week after fertilization This is the implantation Can cause spotting for the female

Blastocyst cells can begin to differentiate

Cluster of cells form inside blastocyst This inner cell mass will become the embryo Trophoblast surrounding this will become the placenta and umbilical cord

Gastrulation ICM differentiates into three layers Ecotoderm – skin and nervous system Endoderm – lining of digestive track and internal organs Mesoderm – inner tissue and organs

Primitive streak is where cell grow out of to form mesoderm Amniotic cavity Primitive streak Mesoderm Ectoderm Endoderm Primitive streak is where cell grow out of to form mesoderm

Neurulation Formation of the CNS Block of mesoderm differentiates into notochord – eventually becoming the spine

As the notochord develops, the neural groove changes shape, producing neural folds Neural crest Neural fold Notochord

Gradually, these folds move together to create a neural tube from which the spinal cord and the nervous system develop Neural tube Neural crest Ectoderm Notochord

Extraembryonic Membranes Trophoblast and mesoderm continue to develop, forming two membranes called amnion and the chorion The amnion develops into a fluid-filled amniotic sac, which cushions and protects the developing embryo Chorion forms finger-like projections, connecting mother to fetus

Amniotic sac Placenta Umbilical cord Uterus Amnion Fetus

The chorionic villi and uterine lining form the placenta Maternal portion of placenta Fetal portion of placenta Chorionic villus Amnion Umbilical cord Maternal artery Umbilical arteries Maternal vein Umbilical vein The chorionic villi and uterine lining form the placenta

The Placenta Serves as embryo’s organ for respiration, nourishment, and excretion Protects fetus from many, but not all, harmful substances Viruses such as HIV and substances such as alcohol pass through

First Trimester Embryo becomes fetus at eight weeks Most major organs and tissues formed Umbilical chord develops, connects baby to mother

Second Trimester The heart can be heard with a stethoscope Bone replaces cartilage that forms the early skeleton A layer of soft hair grows over the fetus’s skin The fetus grows and the mother can feel it moving

Third Trimester The fetus doubles in mass It can now regulate its body temperature The central nervous system and lungs completely develop Gestation

Childbirth Mother’s pituitary gland secretes oxytocin Causes rhythmic, involuntary contractions of muscles around uterine wall This is known as labour Amniotic sac will break (water breaking) Opening to cervix expands, convulsions push baby out through vagina The Birth Video!