Reproduction and Growth

Early Development of a Zygote in Humans

y During copulation, about 400 million sperms are released. However, only a small number will reach the Fallopian tube and only one sperm will fuel with the ovum. The fusion between an ovum and a sperm is called fertilisation. A fertilised egg is known as a zygote. The Zygote travels down the Fallopian tubes and enters the uterus  Four days after fertilisation the zygote divides repeatedly by mitosis to form a solid ball of cells called morula.  The morula then develops into a hollow ball of cells known as the blastocyst ( also known ad blastula.  The blastocyst has localised thickening called the inner cell mass. The remainder of blactocyst is made up of cells called trophoblast. Morula and blastocyst are the two main stages in the development of a zygote in preparation for implantation The inner cell mass of the will develop into the embryo. The trophoblast will send out fingerlike projections called villi into the wall of the uterus. The whole structure, including the trophoblastic villi and the surrounding uterine tissue (placenta)

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Figure 1: Fertilisation and early development of the embryo

Formation of Twins:

Figure 2: Formation of Twins

Role of Placenta in Foetal Development:

Figure 3: Structure of Placenta

Structure y Disk-shaped organ, containing embryonic and maternal blood vessels About the size of a dinner plate, and weighing about 1 kg Allowing exchange of materials by diffusion Embryonic blood vessels contained within chorionic villi
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Function Produces progesterone/estrogen Maintains endometrium; inhibits menstrual cycle from 2nd trimester onwards Transports glucose, amino acids, lipids, oxygen, carbon dioxide, antibodies, urea Give protection to the foetus.

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