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© Paul Galpern, 2003

paul.galpern@utoronto.ca

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NOTE:
These questions are from the video The Miracle of Life chronicling the journey of a sperm and an egg towards
pregnancy. It is a fabulous resource for teaching this material. It was produced by Nova in the late 1980s (?) and is
generally available from scientific teaching supply houses.
Name: Date: Period:
Reproduction – Human Development

Miracle of Life Questions

Watch the video, and answer these questions while you are watching.
If you miss something, fill it in at the end.

THE PATH TRAVELED BY THE EGG

WHEN SPERM ENTERS THE FEMALE BODY

There are many barriers (things to overcome) for a sperm to reach the egg. Some of these are:

SPERM ENTER THE FALLOPIAN TUBE

THE EMBRYO DEVELOPS INTO A FETUS
Once it has begun to divide the fertilized egg is called a _________.
As the zygote divides, it moves along the fallopian tube toward the __________.
Number of Appearance of embryo/fetus
weeks
since
fertilization
After two
weeks (3
weeks)
4 weeks

5 weeks

6 weeks

7 weeks

8 weeks

11 weeks

14 weeks

15 weeks
16 weeks

All of its important features have been developed, but it will take another __________weeks before
it can survive outside its mother.

Science, Gr. 9
Reproduction – Human Development

Miracle of Life Questions

Watch the video, and answer these questions while you are watching.
If you miss something, fill it in at the end.

THE PATH TRAVELED BY THE EGG

The egg travels through the fallopian tubes after being released from the ovaries.
The fertilized egg contains DNA from both parents.
The egg is surrounded by a cloud of support cells.
These hairs, called cillia move the egg along towards the uterus.
It takes the egg 28 days to travel 6 inches along the fallopian tube.
The egg must join with a sperm within 24 hours in order for conception to take place. If no sperm
are present the egg dissolves.

WHEN SPERM ENTERS THE FEMALE BODY

Nearly 25% of the sperm will die almost immediately after entering the woman’s body.
Sperm will remain viable (able to survive) only 48-72 hours.
The sperm have one goal: Find the egg.
There are many barriers (things to overcome) for a sperm to reach the egg. Some of these are:
1. Bacteria 4. Support Cells
2. Cervix 5. Zona
3. Acidity of Vagina

SPERM ENTER THE FALLOPIAN TUBE

The fallopian tube has 2 openings; one leads to the uterus and the other to the ovaries.
Of the 200 million sperm that enter, only about 50 ever reach the egg.
Only 1 sperm will enter and fertilize the egg.
Once inside the egg, the sperm undergoes a big change, it sheds its coating.
The genetic material is released from the head of the sperm.
Within 24 hours, the new cell begins to divide.
THE EMBRYO DEVELOPS INTO A FETUS
Once it has begun to divide the fertilized egg is called a zygote.
As the zygote divides, it moves along the fallopian tube toward the Uterus.
Number of Appearance of embryo/fetus
weeks
since
fertilization
After two has elongated (grown long)
weeks (3
it is barely 1/10th of an inch long
weeks)
4 weeks has arm buds, and is curled
it has the beginning of eyes
5 weeks nose begins to take shape

6 weeks leg buds appear

embryo is less than 1/2 inch long
it floats inside the fluid filled amniotic sac
its spine is clearly visible
7 weeks embryo is ¾ of an inch long
can move its hands and fingers, where there are clearly defined fingers
its organs are visible
eye lenses are formed
8 weeks fingers are clearly seen
the joints of the feet are clearly visible

11 weeks embryo is 2 ½ inches long

14 weeks it can bring its hands together and suck its thumb

15 weeks organs of senses are nearly formed

16 weeks turning inside the mother
now a fetus that is 5 ½ inches long
eyes are closed, but the fetus can see
The umbilical cord is the fetus’ link to its mother, the source of its life.

All of its important features have been developed, but it will take another 8 more weeks before it
can survive outside its mother.