Essay On Fetal Development

Organogenesis, Myogensis, neurogenesis and opsgenesis; these four things are key components to the construction of fetal development, which includes the embryo, zygote and fetus. In this paper I will examine, discuss and describe the changes in fetal development such as weight, length, growth of limbs and how everything correlates with the mother also.
The zygote is the result of a female egg being fertilized by a sperm cell. For two consecutive weeks rapid cell division in effect, but it only takes 5 days for Blastocyst to occur. Blastocyst is a thin hollow structure that marks the beginning of the embryo. The outermost layer supports growth to placenta (umbilical cord) and surrounding tissue within the uterus.
Around the beginning of week four, the mother’s menstrual cycle stops. Multiple variables are too be taken into account as to why this happens. For starters this prevents the embryo from being washed away due to how small it is. The corpus luteum secretes progesterone, which stops stimulating hormones that cause your ovary eggs to stop growing. Without a new egg there is no possible way for the woman to get pregnant. Week five is starting to

roll around and the little one is starting to have the birth of neurons, best known as neurogenesis. With neurons now being born the embryo is now experiencing brain activity. Week six is very busy in the embryo’s cycle. Limbs and buds have started to form due to organogenesis. Blood is also now pumping throughout the embryo system. Myogensis or muscle tissue being formed is also happening at this time due to limbs that were grown previously. Week eight the baby starts to grow hair and facial features become distinct as the embryo finishes its cycle and is now officially called a fetus.
By week nine the fetus has grown all essential organs are evident and the fetus starts to resemble a mini human being. The arms have grown longer, there is a slight blend at the elbow and fingers as well as toes are very clear to see. The eyelids have also developed but cannot be opened until a few weeks later. Week ten doesn’t have the most changes but the fetus is now active. Swallowing fluids and kicking its limbs seem to be most prominent at this point.
Week eleven starts the kicking phase and the fetus’s movements are compared to that of water ballet. Critical development is starting to come to a conclusion, at this point it is up to the fetus to become stronger and grow. Week twelve, the fetus continues to look more human as well as have protruding eyes. The ears are also now positioned near where they will finalize on the fetuses head. The liver is producing which helps the fetus digest food and the kidneys are secreting urine in the bladder. Muscles can be clenched and fingers as well as toes can be curled. Week thirteen through fourteen does not contain many changes except the fetus having a few facial features as well as possibly suckling the thumb. Week fifteen the fetus’s legs should be longer than its arms and genitals may possibly be seen with an ultra sound.
Once the sixteenth week rolls around the eyes should be starting to center themselves at the front of the face. The circulatory system is in effect and the fetus is inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid throughout the lungs. Week seventeen marks the beginning of sweat glands, growth in the umbilical cord and myelin wraps around the spinal cord. Week eighteen though twenty the fetus is very active. Its sensory skills peak, the nerve cells start to develop into areas of the brain that they belong in. Movement is very evident at this point as the fetus has complete control over every part of its body.
Week twenty-two the fetuses skin is still very transparent and teeth are soon to come in soon after. Week twenty-three, the fetus has established hearing is able to slightly make out your voice. From week twenty- four to week twenty- seven the fetus taste buds fully develop, the brain continues to grow. As well as the lungs that produce surfactant, a substance that will help once the fetus has been born. The fetus also practices small breaths of air to be prepared to take that first gulp once in the real world. The fetus also starts to have the hiccups. Week twenty- eight the fetus is just getting used to blinking eyes with eyelashes and bones are almost completely developed, although they won’t harden until the fetus becomes a baby. Week twenty- nine to thirty the fetus needs for nutrition begins to peak, as well as have the ability to track lights on the outside of the belly stomach. The fetus may follow it and try to touch the light.
Week thirty-one to week thirty-two the fetus organs continue maturing and movement within the womb either increase or mellow out.

The fetus also may have a head of hair and depending if it a boy or not the testicles will have made their descent. Week thirty-three the fetuses head continues to harden but does not finish until it is out. The fetus also loses red color under its skin. Week thirty- four the fetuses hearing is fully developed so it is highly recommended that you talk to the fetus if you haven’t done so. The fetuses lungs are now fully develop at this point. Week thirty- five the fetus has full length nails and kidneys have completely develop. The liver is also producing waste at this time. Week-thirty six the baby should be perfect and can be birthed at anytime without being post-term for another six

weeks.