Embryonic Period

(2 to 8 weeks after Conception)

o In the Embryonic Period, the
name of the mass cells, ZYGOTE,
become EMBRYO. The following
developments take place:
1. Cell differentiation
developments become
intensifies
2. Life support systems for the
embryo develop; and
3. Organs appear
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Embryonic Period
(2 to 8 weeks after Conception)
o As the zygote gets attached to the wall of the uterus, two layers of cells
are formed. The embryo’s endoderm, the inner layer of cells develops
into the digestive and respiratory systems.
o The outer layer of cells is divided into two parts – the ectoderm and the
mesoderm. The ectoderm is the outermost layer which becomes the
nervous system, sensory receptors (eyes, ears, nose) and skin parts (nails,
hair).
o The mesoderm in the middle layer which becomes the circulatory,
skeletal, muscular, excretory and reproductive systems.
o This process of organ formation during the first two months of prenatal
development is called ORGANOGENESIS.
Embryonic Stage Characteristics
oOrganogenesis – the process of organ
development
oOrgans and major body systems develop
rapidly
 Respiratory
 Digestive
 Nervous
oRisk of spontaneous abortion, or miscarriage
Embryonic Period
(2 to 8 weeks after Conception)
o As the three layers of the embryo form, the support systems for the mbro
develop rapidly. These life support systems are (1)the placenta, (2)the
umbilical cord, and (3)the amnion.
1. The placenta is a life support system that consist of a disk-shaped group
of tissues in which small blood vessels from the mother and the offspring
interwine but do not join.
2. The umbilical cord contains two arteries and one vein that connects the
baby to the placenta.
3. The amnion is a bag or an envelope that contains a clear fluid in which
the developing embryo floats.
❖ All these embryo life-support systems develop from the fertilized egg; and
not from the mother’s body. (page 136, FTC Textbook. Corpuz, et al
(2018). [b]
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Placenta,
Umbilical Cord
and Amniotic
Sac/fluid
Fetal Period
(2 months to 7 months
after conception)
cited from page 136 [b]
Corpuz, et. Al (2018).
According to Boyd & Bee (2015)
―The final phase is the FETAL STAGE,
which begins at the end of the week
8 and continues until BIRTH. (page
83).[a]
Fetal Stage: The Prenatal Experience
o Google Search showed that the last stage
of prenatal development is the Fetal
Stage, which lasts from two months after
conception until birth. About one month
into this stage, the sex organs of the fetus
begin to form. The fetus quickly grows as
bones and muscles form, and it begins to
move inside the uterus. Organ systems
develop further and start to function.
During the last three months, the brain
increases rapidly in size, an insulating layer
of fat forms under the skin, and the
respiratory and digestive systems start to
work independently.
(https://www.sparknotes.com/psychology/
psych101/development/section2/)
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Fetal
o GrowthPeriod: (2 months
and development – birth)
continue dramatically during this period.
Santrock (2002) as cited by Corpuz et al, (2018) [FTC Textbook on page
136] enumerated the details of the developmental process as follows:
1. 3 months after conception: the fetus is about 3 inches long and weighs
about 1 ounce; the fetus becomes active, moves its arms and legs,
opens and closes his mouth, and moves its head; the face, forehead,
eyelids, nose, chin can now be distinguished and also the upper arms,
lower arms, hands, and lower limbs; the genitals can now be identified as
male or female.
2. 4 months after conception: fetus isbody’s lower parts; prenatal reflexes
are stronger; mother feels arm and leg movements for the first time.
o Pages 136-137, by [b] Corpuz et.al (2018)
Fetal Period: (2 months – birth)
3. 5 months after conception – fetus is about 12 inches long; weighs close
to a pound; structures of the skin (fingernails, toenails) have formed; fetus
is more active.
4. 6 months after conception – fetus is about 14 inches long and weighs
one and a half pound; eyes and eyelids are completely formed; fine
layer of head covers the head; grasping reflex is present and irregular
movements occur.
5. 7 months after conception – fetus is about 16 inches long and weighs 3
pounds.
6. 8 and 9 months after conception – fetus grows longer and gains
substantial weight, about 4 pounds.
Parts of the Neuron
o Structure of a Single Neuron
o Cell bodies first to develop
(weeks 12–24).
o Axons and dendrites
develop later (especially
final 12 weeks).
o Axons continue to increase
in size and complexity after
birth.
 Development During Fetal Stage
oOrgans and body
become more
complex
o―Finishing Touches‖
– toenails, eyelids
oAppearance of
bone
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The Prenatal Experience: Fetal Stage
oEnd of Week 8 until Birth
▪ Growth from 1/4 ounce and 1 inch to 7
pounds and 20 inches in length
▪ Refinement of all organ systems
▪ Neuronal proliferation
▪ Viability is the ability of the fetus to survive
ouside the womb.
• Viable at Week 24; full-term at Week 37