16.4.6

Pregnancy

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Pregnancy

Pregnancy starts with fertilisation, when the nucleus of a sperm fuses with the nucleus of an egg, and involves many more stages:

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Zygote

  • Once an egg is fertilised by a sperm, it is called a zygote.
  • The zygote cell then starts to divide to form a ball of cells
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Embryo

  • Once a ball of cells has formed, this is called an embryo.
  • The embryo then implants itself into the wall of the uterus.
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Placenta

  • Once the embryo has implanted, various structures form to connect the embryo to its mother;
    • A placenta forms between the embryo and the wall of the uterus.
    • The umbilical cord is a thick knot of blood vessels that connects the embryo and the placenta.
    • An amniotic sac filled with amniotic fluid forms around the embryo to protect it from damage in the uterus.
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Foetus

  • 6 weeks after fertilisation, the embryo can be called a foetus.
  • The foetus continues to grow and become more complex.
  • The baby is fully formed at around 38 to 40 weeks.

Jump to other topics

1Classification of Living Organisms

2Organisation of the Organism

3Movement Into & Out of Cells

4Biological Molecules

5Enzymes

6Plant Nutrition

7Human Nutrition

8Transport in Plants

9Transport in Animals

10Diseases & Immunity

11Gas Exchange in Humans

12Respiration

13Excretion in Humans

14Coordination & Response

15Drugs

16Reproduction

17Inheritance

18Variation & Selection

19Organisms & Their Environment

20Human Influence on Ecosystems

21Biotechnology & Genetic Modification

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