Scribd
Upload
4 views

01) Fertilization - Copy

The document provides an overview of fertilization, embryo development, and placenta formation, highlighting the key steps and processes involved in human reproduction. It discusses the stages of embryonic development from fertilization to full-term pregnancy, as well as the critical functions and potential complications of the placenta. Understanding these processes is essential for reproductive health and prenatal care.

Uploaded by

AB Me
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
4 views

01) Fertilization - Copy

The document provides an overview of fertilization, embryo development, and placenta formation, highlighting the key steps and processes involved in human reproduction. It discusses the stages of embryonic development from fertilization to full-term pregnancy, as well as the critical functions and potential complications of the placenta. Understanding these processes is essential for reproductive health and prenatal care.

Uploaded by

AB Me
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 41

Fertilization, Embryo

Development, and
Placenta Formation
Introduction
-Introduction to fertilization
-Importance in human reproduction
-Overview of key steps of fertilization
- Overview of fetal development and maternal changes
- Importance of prenatal care
Introduction to Fertilization

• Fertilization is the process where a sperm cell fuses with an egg cell to
form a zygote.
• It marks the beginning of human development.
• Normally occurs in the ampulla of the fallopian tube.
• Ensures genetic recombination from both parents.
Step 1 – Sperm Transport
• Millions of sperm are released into the female reproductive tract.
• Sperm undergo capacitation (biochemical changes that improve
motility and membrane fluidity).
• Only a few hundred sperm survive the journey to the ampulla of the
fallopian tube.
Step 2 – Oocyte Activation

• The secondary oocyte is released from the ovary during ovulation.


• It is surrounded by:
• Corona Radiata – Layer of follicular cells.
• Zona Pellucida – Protective glycoprotein shell.
• The oocyte remains arrested in metaphase II of meiosis until
fertilization occurs.
Step 3 – Sperm Penetration
• Sperm must pass through three
barriers:
• Corona Radiata – Enzymes from
multiple sperm help disperse
these cells.
• Zona Pellucida – Sperm bind to
ZP3 receptors, triggering the
acrosome reaction.
• Oocyte Membrane – The first
sperm to reach the membrane
fuses with the oocyte.
Step 4 – Cortical Reaction

• Once a sperm enters, the cortical granules inside the oocyte release
enzymes.
• This causes the zona pellucida to harden, preventing polyspermy
(entry of multiple sperm).
• Ensures only one sperm fertilizes the egg.
Step 5 – Completion of Meiosis II

• The oocyte completes meiosis II, forming:


• A mature ovum (haploid).
• A second polar body, which degenerates.
• The sperm nucleus decondenses, forming the male pronucleus.
Step 6 – Pronuclear Fusion
• The male and female pronuclei migrate toward each other.
• Chromosomes align and undergo syngamy (fusion of genetic
material).
• A zygote is formed with 46 chromosomes (diploid).
Formation of the Zygote
• The newly formed zygote begins mitotic cleavage.
• It travels through the fallopian tube toward the uterus.
• By Day 4-5, the zygote develops into a blastocyst, ready for
implantation.
Factors Affecting Fertilization
• Sperm Quality: Motility, morphology, and count.
• Timing of Ovulation: Egg viability lasts only 12-24 hours.
• Hormonal Balance: Estrogen and progesterone levels.
• Fallopian Tube Patency: Blockages prevent fertilization.
Clinical Aspects of Fertilization

• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Assisted reproduction where sperm


fertilizes an egg outside the body.
• Contraception:
 Barrier methods (condoms, diaphragms).
 Hormonal methods (birth control pills, IUDs).
• Infertility Causes:
 Male factors: Low sperm count, poor motility.
 Female factors: Blocked fallopian tubes, ovulatory disorders.
Embryo Development
Weeks 1-4
- Fertilization and implantation
- Formation of the blastocyst and early placenta
- Early hormonal changes (hCG production)
-Gastrulation starts= the inner cell or embryo starts differentiating into
three germinal layers, i.e. ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm.
Ectoderm- nervous system, brain, spinal cord, epidermis, hair, nails, etc.
Mesoderm- connective tissue, muscles, circulatory system, notochord,
bone, kidney, gonads
Endoderm- internal organs, stomach, liver, pancreas, bladder, lung, gut
lining
Weeks 5-8
- Heart starts beating (Week 5)
- Limb buds develop
- Major organ systems begin forming
- Neural tube closes (Week 6)
- First signs of facial features (Week 7-8)
Weeks 9-12
- Fetus officially formed (Week 9)
- Fingers and toes become distinct
- Reflex movements begin
- External genitalia start differentiating
- Risk of miscarriage decreases
Weeks 13-16
- Baby’s movements may start (quickening in some women)
- Lanugo (fine hair) begins developing
- Facial expressions form
- Gender can be identified by ultrasound
Weeks 17-20
- Stronger fetal movements felt
- Vernix caseosa (protective skin layer) forms
- Rapid brain growth
- Development of sleep-wake cycles
Weeks 21-24
- Lungs begin producing surfactant
- Baby responds to sounds
- Eyelids begin to open
- Viability increases by end of Week 24
Weeks 25-28
- Lungs and nervous system mature further
- Baby gains more fat
- Can detect light changes through closed eyelids
- More regular sleep patterns
Weeks 29-32
- Major growth spurt
- Bones harden but skull remains soft
- Baby practices breathing movements
- Baby’s position may shift head-down
Weeks 33-36
- Baby gains significant fat for warmth
- Stronger movements and kicks
- Digestive system is nearly mature
- Head may engage in pelvis
Weeks 37-40
- Full-term pregnancy
- Baby practices breathing and sucking
- Skin smoothens as fat accumulates
- Baby drops lower into pelvis for birth
- Labor may begin anytime after Week 37
Fetal Development Stages

• First trimester: Organogenesis and rapid cell division.


• Second trimester: Growth and limb movement.
• Third trimester: Maturation and fat accumulation.
Placental Development
Introduction
- The placenta is a temporary organ that connects the developing fetus to the
uterine wall.

- Functions: -Gas exchange, nutrient supply,waste removal, immune


protection, and hormone production.

-Essential for fetal growth and development.

-
Weeks 1-2: Pre-implantation Phase
- Fertilization occurs in the fallopian tube.
- Zygote undergoes mitotic divisions, forming a blastocyst.
- Around Day 6-7, the blastocyst reaches the uterus and begins
implantation.
- The trophoblast differentiates into:
1. Cytotrophoblast: Inner layer of mononucleated cells.
2. Syncytiotrophoblast: Outer multinucleated layer that invades the
endometrium.
Weeks 3-4: Implantation and Early
Placenta Formation
- Syncytiotrophoblast secretes human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to
maintain the corpus luteum.
- Primary villi form from proliferating cytotrophoblast cells.
- Maternal spiral arteries begin interacting with the trophoblast,
initiating uteroplacental circulation.
Weeks 5-8: Chorionic Villi
Development
- Secondary villi form as mesoderm invades primary villi (Week 5).
- Tertiary villi develop as fetal blood vessels begin to form inside the villi
(Week 6-7).
- The placenta establishes a functional maternal-fetal exchange system.
Primary
villous Secondary
villous
Weeks 9-12: Placental Maturation
- The placenta expands, increasing surface area for exchange.
- Chorionic villi differentiate into:
1. Smooth Chorion: Non-functional regions regress.
2. Villous Chorion (Chorion Frondosum): Functional area that remains
in contact with maternal blood.
- Placental barrier forms, allowing selective exchange of substances.
Weeks 13-24: Functional Expansion
- Placenta enlarges to support rapid fetal growth.
- Increased hormone production: hCG levels decline while progesterone
and estrogen rise.
- Formation of placental cotyledons, structural units containing fetal
capillaries.
Weeks 25-40: Final Maturation
- The placenta reaches full functional capacity.
- Enhanced maternal-fetal nutrient, gas, and waste exchange.
- Produces hormones to maintain pregnancy and trigger labor.
Placental Functions
• Gas Exchange: Oxygen and carbon dioxide transfer between mother
and fetus.
• Nutrient Transport: Glucose, amino acids, lipids, vitamins, and
minerals.
• Waste Removal: Urea, bilirubin, and carbon dioxide transported back
to maternal circulation.
• Immune Protection: IgG antibodies pass through the placenta to
provide passive immunity.
• Hormonal Regulation: hCG, progesterone, estrogen, and placental
lactogen support pregnancy.
Placental Abnormalities
• Placenta Previa: Placenta covers the cervix, leading to bleeding risks.
• Placental Abruption: Premature separation from the uterine wall,
causing fetal distress.
• Placental Insufficiency: Poor placental function leading to fetal
growth restriction.
• Preeclampsia: Placental dysfunction leading to high maternal blood
pressure.
summary

• Fertilization is a highly coordinated process ensuring genetic


recombination.
• It marks the beginning of embryonic development.
• Understanding fertilization is crucial for reproductive health and
medical advancements.
• The placenta is a complex, multifunctional organ essential for fetal
survival.
• Proper development ensures a healthy pregnancy outcome.
• Regular prenatal monitoring helps detect and manage placental
complications.
• The placenta is a complex, multifunctional organ essential for fetal
survival.
• Proper development ensures a healthy pregnancy outcome.
• Regular prenatal monitoring helps detect and manage placental
complications.
THANK YOU!!!

You might also like