Concepts of Human Anatomy & Physiology   5/e   Van De Graaff/Fox
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I. Fertilization

Concept: Upon fertilization of an ovum by a spermatozoon in the uterine tube, meiotic development is completed, and a diploid zygote is formed.

II. Preembryonic Period

Concept: The events of the 2-week preembryonic period include fertilization, transportation of the zygote through the uterine tube, mitotic divisions, implantation, and the formation of primordial embryonic tissue.

III. Embryonic Period

Concept: The events of the 6-week embryonic period include the differentiation of the germ layers into specific body organs and the formation of the placenta, the umbilical cord, and the extraembryonic membranes. Through these morphogenic events, the needs of the embryo are met.

IV. Fetal Period

Concept: The fetal period, beginning at week 9 and culminating at birth, is characterized by tremendous growth and the specialization of body structures.

V. Labor and Parturition

Concept: Parturition, or childbirth, involves a sequence of events called labor. The uterine contractions of labor require the action of oxytocin, secreted by the posterior pituitary, and prostaglandins, produced in the uterus.

VI. Inheritance

Concept: Inheritance is the acquisition of characteristics or qualities by transmission from parent to offspring. Hereditary information is transmitted by genes.

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