Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

28. Human Development

Introduction to Human Development

Anatomy & Physiology

28. Human Development

Introduction to Human Development

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Problem 5

Textbook Question

The stage of development that follows cleavage is the
(a) Blastocyst
(b) Morula
(c) Trophoblast
(d) Blastocoele

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the process of early embryonic development, which begins with fertilization and progresses through several stages: zygote, cleavage, morula, blastocyst, and implantation.

Cleavage is the rapid mitotic division of the zygote, resulting in smaller cells called blastomeres. This process leads to the formation of the morula, a solid ball of cells.

The morula undergoes further development, forming a hollow structure called the blastocyst. The blastocyst consists of an outer layer of cells (trophoblast) and an inner cell mass, with a fluid-filled cavity called the blastocoele.

Identify the correct sequence of development: cleavage leads to the morula, which then transitions into the blastocyst. The trophoblast and blastocoele are components of the blastocyst.

Based on the options provided, determine that the stage immediately following cleavage is the morula, as it is the next developmental stage in the sequence.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Cleavage

Cleavage is the series of rapid cell divisions that occur after fertilization, leading to the formation of a multicellular structure. This process transforms the single-celled zygote into a solid ball of cells known as the morula. Cleavage is characterized by the absence of significant growth, as the overall size of the embryo remains constant while the number of cells increases.

Morula

The morula is a solid ball of cells formed from the cleavage of the zygote, typically occurring around three to four days post-fertilization. It consists of 16 to 32 cells and is the precursor to the blastocyst. The morula stage is crucial as it marks the transition from a single cell to a more complex structure that will eventually develop into the embryo.

Blastocyst

The blastocyst is the stage of development that follows the morula, characterized by the formation of a fluid-filled cavity called the blastocoele. This structure consists of an inner cell mass that will develop into the embryo and an outer layer of cells known as the trophoblast, which will contribute to the placenta. The blastocyst stage is essential for implantation into the uterine wall, marking a key step in early embryonic development.