U4 - Lab Project: Reproduction

For this lab project I will be documenting ten significant events which
occur during embryonic and fetal development. I will offer a brief
description of what takes place and specify the time period in which
the development occurs. Furthermore, I will offer an explanation as to
why I believe the particular events to be of great significance.

Picture from
http://fig.cox.miami.edu/~cmallery/150/devel/c7.46.17.human.fetus.jpg
1. Fertilization and Cell Division: A 24 hour process in which an egg pronucleus and a
sperm pronucleus combine creating a zygote. This is the first step in creating a fetus and
takes place on day one when a sperm penetrates an oocyte. It takes sperm about 10 hours
to reach the fallopian tubes, and about twenty minutes for a sperm to penetrate an oocyte’s
membrane (zona pellucida). This is especially important because without the combining of
both pronuclei's, human reproduction would not exist! Also, this is the first cell to a new
individual. Between day 1.5 and 3 the zygote begins to cleave producing two cells
(blastomeres). Each division is taking place about every 20 hours. Approximately three to
four days after fertilization, roughly 16 cells have been generated and the zygote (now
known as morula) moves from the fallopian tubes to the uterus for implantation. This process
is phenomenal because each new cell is receiving a full set of the genes and chromosomes.

2. Implantation: Implantation is the process when the

blastocyst implants into the wall of the uterus between day 5
and 6 by secreting an enzyme which wears down the
epithelial lining. This secretion of the enzyme is done by the
outer layer known as the trophoblast cells. This stage of the
pregnancy is vital for the development of the fetus because
the blood capillaries in the uterus wall are what circulate to
the developing fetus supplying nutrition. The stimulation of
new capillary growth will continue through week two while the
trophoblast cells breakdown the uterine lining at the spot of
implantation. By day 13 the embryo is affixed to the uterus by
the chorionic villi. The placenta, which will house the fetus, is
formed and has blood vessels. Also, gastrulation (the process
where the embryo begins to take on a variety of shapes) has Zygote - The first cell of a
new organism. Note the
begun. The process of gastrulation is evident by the end of
sperm and egg nuclei about
the second week because the embryo has the primary germ
to fuse.
layers (endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm).
Picture from http://www.ndpteachers.org/perit/biology_image_gallery1.htm
3. Appearance of Somites, Neural Folds
and Heart Folds Begin to Fuse: Starting
around day 19 (post-ovulation) you can see one
end is larger than the other, distinguishing an
end as the head and the other as the tail.
Cellular differentiation is taking place giving rise
to the embryos shape and blood vessels are
present in the chorion/placenta. Somites (made
of mesoderm layer, future vertebrae) appear on
both sides of the neural groove (future spinal
cord). Endocardial cells are fusing to form the
beginning of the heart tubes. Around day 21 the
yolk sac enlarges due to cellular growth, the eye
and ear cells are starting to take shape, and the
endocardial cells have fused forming an s-shape
which will be the heart. This is an extremely
important part of the development because
there is a rapid amount of cellular growth taking
place. Around week three the heart, brain, and
spinal cord begin to develop. At this time of the
embryonic development (or any time in the first
trimester), the baby is most vulnerable to
damage.

Pictures from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/9578.htm and http://www.visembryo.com/baby/10.html

4. Appearance of Upper Limb Buds and Skin: Between
days 25 to 27 the embryo has taken on a C-shape formation
where the head an neck are becoming apparent, liver cells are
starting to form, and the heart is beating. Between days 26 to
30 the eyes and ears are developing and the epithelium layer
begins to separate locations for future digestive and
respiratory organ development. Also, the umbilical cord is
growing between the placenta and the embryo which will offer
the fetus with oxygen and nourishment while disposing its
waste. By the end of day 35 (days 31-35), the esophagus is
under development, the heart is beating and its major area’s
are visible, and the upper limbs are beginning to protrude
outwards. The midbrain, forebrain and hindbrain are marked
by visible ridges, while the spinal cord wall has the ventricular,
the mantle and the marginal zones (Carnegie stage 14). This
period of time reflects rapid brain growth and critical heart
formation which is vital to the health of the baby. Also, this is a
sensitive time in the first trimester because things can cross
the placenta to the embryo (from mother to child) which may
affect embryonic development.
5. The Hindbrain Develops: Sometime between days 37 to 42 the hindbrain begins
development. This is important because the hindbrain is responsible for regulation of the
heart, breathing, and muscle movement. The mesentery which provides nerves, lymphatics,
and blood to the intestines is distinct; and the facial formation is becoming more prevalent.
By day 44 the heart is separating into four chambers. While the intestines have been under
development, the pituitary glands, trachea, larynx and bronchi start to develop. By the end
of this time period all of the major systems and organs are developing or developed and the
brain is growing at about 100,000 new brain cells every minute. This is a critical time frame
for the proper development of a healthy fetus. http://content.revolutionhealth.com/contentimages/kh-parent-pregnancy_calendar-
images_51915-1138938633702.week7.gif and http://www.visembryo.com/baby/14.html
6. Is It a Boy or a Girl? While it is too soon to see on an
ultrasound, by day 44 the primitive germ cells have appeared
at the genital area and will develop into either female or male
genitals depending on the genetic instructions. Also, by day 48
the kidneys will be producing urine. While the arms are formed
and in position, the knees, feet, and ankles are almost fully
developed. The semicircular canals are forming in the ear and
the spine is straightening while muscles are becoming
stronger. By day 53 the testes or ovaries start to become
apparent, and muscles and nerves aid in movement of the
embryo. By the end of week eight the limb buds are clearly
defined, the toes and fingers web outward, tooth buds are
Pictures from http://www.i-am-
developing in the mouth, and the facial features are becoming pregnant.com/img/week10-fetus.jpg and
distinct. This is a phenomenal time in the gestation period http://www.revolutionhealth.com/healthy-
living/pregnancy/forty-weeks/first-
because the embryo is now starting to look like a fetus; the trimester/calendar-week-10

circulatory, nervous, urinary, and digestive systems continue

to develop and function.
7. It’s a Boy! It’s a Girl!: Into the second trimester, between
day 61 and 68, the genitals become clearly distinguishable
although not fully formed (cannot see on ultrasound). The
intestines have moved from the umbilical cord into the abdomen
of the fetus, the liver is secreting bile which is being stored by the
gallbladder, and the pancreas is producing insulin. During the
beginning of the second trimester the brain mass starts to rapidly
increase which is very important. During this time frame all the
organs are in place or moving into place and assuming their vital
functions. The first trimester is considered the most delicate time
because all of the major organs and systems are sensitive in
development and can be easily damaged if exposed to any
harmful substances.
 3D Ultrasound Pictures

3D ultrasound of 3-
inch fetus (about 12
weeks after
fertilization)

Pictures from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fetus & http://www.expectantmothersguide.com/profiles/InsightImaging/ultrasound.jpg & http://www.mybabysface3d.com/

8. Circulation is Fully Functioning: By week 16 (post fertilization) the circulatory system
is fully functioning, nerves are being coated with myelin for faster cell transmission, and
thousands of blood vessels are developing in the placenta to nourish the fetus. The liver and
spleen have been manufacturing blood cells, but at around week 20 the fetuses bone
marrow will start producing blood cells too. Also, the heart is strengthening and beginning to
pump harder. Between weeks 16 and 20 the brain is still undergoing rapid growth which is
expanding the head mass. This will continue after the baby is born for about the first five
years and is vital to a children's early cognitive development. Around week 18 a female
fetuses uterus is formed and the ovaries contain primitive egg cells, while a male fetuses
testes do not descend into the scrotum until about week 20. This is an important time in the
second trimester because not only is the fetuses skeleton starting to harden and the bone
marrow is contributing to blood cell production, but the nerve endings from the brain and the
ear bones are developing which will allow the baby to hear within the coming weeks. The
baby is half way through the pregnancy!

18 Weeks

16 Weeks (post fertilization) 20 Weeks (post fertilization)

Picture from http://www.revolutionhealth.com/healthy-living/pregnancy/forty-weeks/second-trimester/calendar-week-16 and 18, &

http://www.visembryo.com/baby/18_weeks.html
9. Sensory Brain Waves Begin to Activate and Surfactant Production Begins: By
week 24 the fetuses visual and auditory systems are activated. The fetus can hear sounds
and see light. Although lungs are not completely developed by week 24, they are developing
blood vessels which will ultimately exchange oxygen and transport it to others tissues. In
addition, the air sacs start the production of surfactant which is a substance (primarily of
lipid composition) that prevents the developing lungs tissue from sticking to itself.
Throughout the next couple of weeks and into the third trimester, the fetus progress in size
and weight while the lungs, liver, and immune system continue to mature. The 28th week is
important because the fetuses brain is now controlling body temperature and rhythmic
beating while the grooves of the brain continue to expand, and blood cell production is
completely taken over by the bone marrow.
10. Rapid Brain Growth an Development of Individual
Immune System: Between weeks 30 and 32 (post fertilization),
the brains quick growth is not only drastically changing the mass
of the fetuses head, but there is an increase in the amount of
interconnections between individual nerve cells in the brain. From
just 24 weeks to 30 weeks the circumference of the head has
grown from about 10.7 inches to about 12.3 inches. Week 32 is
especially important because this is when the fetus begins to
develop their own immune system, and by week 34 the
gastrointestinal system is still maturing. 24 Weeks (post
The last couple of weeks the systems that fertilization)
had been developing through the first and
second trimesters start to function. The
fetus can hear, see, swallow, urinate, and
move.
Picture from http://www.revolutionhealth.com/healthy-
living/pregnancy/forty-weeks/second-trimester/calendar-week-
24 & http://www.visembryo.com/baby/34_weeks.html
 Conclusion
I have discussed ten important events that happen during the 40 weeks of
human development; what is physically taking place and about the time
in the 40 week process that the event happens. Although all three
trimesters are important, I focused a majority of my ten topics on
important events that take place in the first trimester because of the cell
division, rapid cell growth, and cell differentiation. Also, all of the major
organs and systems are developing in the first trimester. As a result, a
majority of the fragile developing events take place early on.

“A newborn baby
with umbilical cord
ready to be
clamped.”

Picture and Verbiage from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Childbirth
 Works Cited
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<http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Fetus&oldid=210887494>.
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<http://fig.cox.miami.edu/~cmallery/150/devel/c7.46.17.human.fetus.jpg>.
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<http://www.visembryo.com/baby/index.html>.