The stage of prenatal development that lasts from week three through eight is the:
A) blastocyst.
B) embryonic.
C) fetal.
D) germinal.
Answer (2)
The correct answer to the question is B) embryonic.
In the context of prenatal development, there are distinct stages each characterized by specific processes:
Germinal Stage : This is the earliest stage of prenatal development, which lasts from conception through the second week. During this period, the fertilized egg (now called a zygote) undergoes rapid cell division and eventually forms a blastocyst, which implants itself in the uterine wall.
Embryonic Stage : This stage lasts from the third week through the eighth week of prenatal development. It is a critical period where the fundamental structures of the embryo form. Organs and systems begin developing, and the embryo starts to resemble a small human. This stage is crucial as the foundations for a healthy baby are laid during these weeks.
Fetal Stage : This stage begins at the ninth week and continues until birth. During the fetal stage, the main task is growth and maturation of the already formed organs and systems.
Hence, the stage that lasts from week three through eight, which involves the formation of organs and fundamental development, is known as the embryonic stage. This is a critical phase for the developing embryo as many vital body systems start to develop.
The stage of prenatal development from week three through eight is called the embryonic stage. During this critical period, the fundamental structures of the embryo form, including major organs and systems. Therefore, the correct answer is B) embryonic.
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