Developmental biologyLesson 1 of 2 in the course Development and Inheritance

Human Fetal Development: Sexual Differentiation, Circulation, and Maturation

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

The fetal period begins in the ninth week of gestation and continues until birth. During this period, the structures formed during embryonic development grow and become more specialized. This lesson introduces sexual differentiation and key developments during the early fetal weeks.

A developing human is called a fetus from the ninth week of gestation until birth. This approximately 30-week period involves continued cell growth and differentiation. Organ systems formed during the embryonic period mature, helping prepare the newborn for life outside the womb.

All flashcards

When does the human fetal period begin?
At the ninth week of gestation; it continues until birth.
Bipotential gonads
Early gonads that can develop into testes or ovaries.
Quickening
The pregnant person's perception of fetal movement, often beginning around weeks 16–20.
Meconium
Dark, tarry fetal intestinal material normally passed as the newborn's first stool.
Surfactant
A substance that reduces lung surface tension and helps the lungs expand.

Quiz questions

  1. What is the main role of the ductus venosus in fetal circulation?Answer: It allows much placental blood to bypass the immature liver.
  2. What does the foramen ovale connect in the fetal heart?Answer: The right atrium and the left atrium.
  3. Which vessels are connected by the fetal ductus arteriosus?Answer: The pulmonary artery and the aorta.
  4. Which vessel carries oxygen-rich blood from the placenta toward the fetus?Answer: The umbilical vein.
  5. What can happen if a newborn inhales meconium?Answer: Airway obstruction, surfactant disruption, or lung inflammation.

Based on Anatomy and Physiology 2e by J. Gordon Betts, Kelly A. Young, James A. Wise, Eddie Johnson, Brandon Poe, Dean H. Kruse, Oksana Korol, Jody E. Johnson, Mark Womble, Peter DeSaix (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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