PH.AS.

AP-BSN2A

Process Of Conception
OVUM
•The ovum or egg cell is the female sex cell or
gamete

•Ovum is regularly released by the ovary

through the process of ovulation.

•It has two layers of productive covering, the

outer layer is the CORONA RADIATA and the
inner layer is the ZONA PELLUCIDA.

SPERM CELL
✓ANDROSPERM – these are the Y
• The sperm cell or spermatozoa is the
chromosomes carrying sperm cells with small
male sex cell or gamete.
head and produces a male offspring.
• It has three parts: a INSEMINATION

HEAD that •Is the deposition of the sperm cell in the

contain the female genital tract that occurs during sexual
chromatin intercourse.
material, a
•Although millions of sperm cells are deposited
NECK or MID- in the vagina only a few reach the uterus
PIECE that because many of them are destroyed by the
provides energy acidic vaginal environment.
for movement and a
FERTILIZATION
TAIL that is responsible for its motility. •is the union of an ovum and a spermatozoon.

• It has a lifespan of 48 to 72 hours or •When the sperm cell reaches the uterus, the
2-3 days after ejaculation head undergoes structural changes called

• There are two kinds of sperm cell: CAPACITATION. The outer covering at the
head of the sperm cell disappears and tiny
✓GYNOSPERM – these are the X chromosome
holes appear on it.
carrying sperm cell with large oval head and
which produce a female offspring.
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•When it meets the ovum, it secretes the

enzymes HYALURONIDASE which dissolves the
outermost covering of the egg cell which is
called CORONA RADIATA. Once the outer
covering of the ovum has disintegrated, the
sperm secretes another enzyme called
ACROSIN which dissolves the portion of the
ovum’s zona pellucida that the sperm
encounters as it enters the ovum.

• Once the sperm cell has entered the

• If an X-carrying spermatozoon entered
ovum and the nucleus of two sex cells has
the ovum, the resulting child will have two X
fused, fertilization is achieved.
chromosomes and will be female (XX).
• The ovum’s plasma membrane
• If a Y-carrying spermatozoon fertilized
immediately undergoes structural changes
the ovum, the resulting child will have an X
immediately after fertilization to prevent
and a Y chromosome and will be male (XY).
other sperm cells from entering it. 

• Immediately after penetration of the

ovum, the chromosomal material of the ovum
and spermatozoon fuse to form a zygote.
• Spermatozoon and ovum each carried 23
chromosomes (22 autosomes and 1 sex
chromosome), the fertilized ovum has 46
chromosomes.
ZYGOTE
• The first cell of human body formed
from the fertilization of sperm and ovum.
• The zygote journeys from the fallopian
tube to the uterus for period of 3 to 4 days.
• About 24 hours after fertilization, it
undergoes its first cell division. The daughter
cells formed from this cell division are called
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BLASTOMERES. Subsequent cell divisions occur
after 22 hours.
• When there are already 16 or more
blastomeres, the zygote is termed a MORULA.
• Upon reaching the uterine cavity, the
remaining zona pellucida disintegrates and the
morula is transformed into BLASTOCYST.
Period of the Zygote
BLASTOCYST
• of the gastrointestinal tract, tonsils, thyroid
Is a
ball
like structure composed of an inner cell mass
called embryonic disc or blastocoele.
•Blastocysts is the structure that penetrates
to the uterine endothelium. Cells form on the
outer ring of the blastocyst which are called
trophoblast cell.
•TROPHOBLAST CELLS enable the blastocyst
to invade the endometrium. These cells will
later give rise to the placenta, fetal membrane,
umbilical cord and amniotic fluid. The
important functions of the trophoblast are to:
- absorb nutrients from the endometrium.
- secrete hormone human chorionic
gonadotropin necessary in prolonging life of
corpus luteum.
Inner cell mass
• The INNER CELL MASS gives rise to the
three primary germ layers which are the:
✓ECTODERM – the first germ layer to develop
that gives rise to the skin, hair, nails, sense
organs, nervous system, mucuous membrane of
the mouth and anus.
✓ENTODERM – gives rise to the bladder, lining
gland and respiratory system.
✓MESODERM – the last germ layer to develop
that give rise to the kidney, musculoskeletal
system (bones and muscles),
reproductive system and
cardiovascular system ( heart
and blood vessels. )
Chorionic villi
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• Miniature villi that resembles probing fingers
which reach out from the single layer of cells
into the uterine endometrium to begin
formation of placenta. 
TROPHOBLAST CELL
• At around 3rd week of gestation, the
trophoblast cells surrounding the blastocyst
differentiate in two distinct layers:
• CYTOTROPHOBLASTS – this is the first
layer that develop and is also called Langhan’s
layer. It is the layer of cells which produces a
hormone known as Human chorionic
Gonadotropin (HCG). This hormone is
responsible for informing the corpus luteum
that a pregnancy has began.
• SYNCYTIOTROPHOBLAST – this layer is
composed of nucleated protoplasm, which is
capable of breaking down the tissue as the
process of bedding.
Implantation
• Contact between the growing structure
and the uterine endometrium.
• It occurs approximately 8 to 10 days
after fertilization.
• As it implants, its trophoblast cells
release enzymes that digest endometrial cells at
the area of implantation that cause the
rupture of several capillaries resulting in
bleeding at the implantation site with the
blastocyst being embedded in a pool of blood.
This is known as NIDATION(nesting)
• The rupture of several endometrial blood
vessels is the cause of vaginal bleeding
experienced by some women at the time of
implantation. This is called Implantation
bleeding.
Decidua
• After implantation, the endometrium is
referred to as the decidua, the specialized
endometrium of pregnancy.
• Decidua (Latin word for “falling off”),
because it will be discarded after the birth of
the child.
• It is composed of three layers:
✓ DECIDUA BASALIS – the part of the
endometrium that lies directly under the
embryo. The layer where implantation occur.
This will later form the maternal side of the
placenta.
✓ DECIDUA CAPSULARIS – the portion of
the endometrium that stretches or
encapsulates the surface of the trophoblast
✓DECIDUA VERA – the remaining portion of
the uterine lining.
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Fetal membranes
• The fetal membranes enclose the fetus
and the amniotic fluid, and protect the fetus
against ascending bacterial infection as long as
it is not ruptured.
• It is composed of two membranes:
✓ CHRORIONIC MEMBRANE – it
originates from the portion of chorionic villi
not involve with implantation. It is thick and
opaque. It is in contact with the decidua and is
attached at the margins of the placenta. It
functions to provide support to the amniotic
membrane.
✓ AMNIOTIC MEMBRANE – it is smooth,
thin, tough and translucent membrane directly
enclosing the fetus and amniotic fluid. It
contain cells that produce amniotic fluid.
• Amnion and the chorion does not have nerve
supply and blood vessels so that the mother
neither the fetus experience pain when they
rupture.
Amniotic fluid
• It is the medium in which the fetus and
the cord float inside the amniotic membrane.
• Production and removal of amniotic is
achieved through the following mechanism:
✓the fetus contributes to the amniotic
fluid by:
❑ active secretion from the epithelium of
the amniotic membrane.
❑ transudation from fetal circulation
❑Fetal urination. Fetal urination is the primary
source of amniotic fluid late in pregnancy.
• The mother contributes to the amniotic
fluid by transudation from maternal circulation.
Maternal serum composes most of the fluid
early in pregnancy.
•Removal or uptake of amniotic fluid by:
❑absorption through the amnion to the
maternal circulation
❑By fetal swallowing, this is the chief
mechanism which controls the volume of the
fluid.
• VOLUME
❑ volume increases from the first
trimester until the 38th week. Then, it
diminishes slightly until them.
❑ normally, amniotic fluid volume ranges
from 800ml to 1200 ml
• COMPOSITION
❑it is composed of 99% water and 1% solid
particles.
• COLOR
❑ it is clear and colorless to straw colored.
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❑ Green tinged or meconium stained
amniotic fluid in non breech presentation
signifies fetal distress.
❑ Gray colored amniotic fluid indicates
infection.
❑Blood amniotic fluid at the time of rupture
indicates vasa previa.
❑Brownish, coffee or tea colored amniotic fluid
indicates fetal death.
• pH: 7.2 slightly alkaline
• Functions of Amniotic fluid
❑Protection:
✓Of the fetus from trauma, blows and
pressure ✓Of the fetus from sudden changes in
temperature ✓Of the cord from pressure.
❑Promotes symmetrical, musculoskeletal
development by allowing freedom of movement.
❑Acts as an excretion and secretion system
❑Assist in labor by:
✓Intact membrane aids in effacement and
dilatation of the cervix.
✓It acts as a lubricant making the birth canal
more slippery for the passage of the fetus.
Umbilical cord
• It is formed from the fetal membranes
(amnion and chorion).
• Function:
❑The umbilical cord is the structure that
connects the fetus to the placenta. It main
function is to carry oxygen and nutrients from
the placenta to the fetus and return
unoxygenated blood and fetal waste products
to the placenta.
•BLOOD VESSELS
❑It is composed of two arteries which carry
unoxygenated blood to the placenta.
❑One vein which carries oxygenated blood to
the fetus.
•LENGTH
❑it is about 53 cm (21 in) in length at term
and 2cm thick.
It appears dull white, moist and covered by
amnion.
• WHARTON’S JELLY – It is the gelatinous
substance found inside the cord.
Placenta
• It is formed from the chorionic villi and
decidua basalis.
• It contain 30 separate segments or
cotyledons.
• WEIGHT
✓Placenta weights 400 to 600 g (1lb) with a
diameter of 15 to 20 cm and about 3 cm
thick.
MATERNAL AND FETAL SIDES
✓MATERNAL SIDE: it faces the mother,
composed of 15 to 20 cotyledons. Each
cotyledon is supplied with one artery and one
vein.
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✓FETAL SIDE: it faces the fetus. The amnion
that covers it gives it a white and shiny
appearance.
• Function of the Placenta
✓The placenta has two main important
functions: it serves as a 1.transfer organ for
metabolic products and it 2.produces or
metabolizes the hormones and enzymes
necessary in the maintenance of pregnancy. The
nourishments of the placenta comes from the
maternal blood and it can grow
only up to a limited time after which, it
begins to degenerate with functional capacity
and oxygen consumption diminishing.
1. RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: exchange of
gases takes
place in the placenta through process of
diffusion and not in fetal lungs.
2. RENAL SYSTEM: waste products of
fetus are excreted through the placenta and
detoxified in the mother’s live. Waste products
of the fetus such as urea are passed to
maternal blood by simple diffusion through the
placenta.
3. GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM:
Nutrients pass from the placenta to the fetus
via active transport and diffusion. The food
eaten by the mother is already broken down in
its simplest form by the time it reaches the
placenta.
4. CIRCULATORY SYSTEM: Feto-placental
circulation is functional 17 days after
fertilization. Maternal blood flow through the
placenta
5. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM.
•HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN (HCG)
✓The first placental hormone produced. It can
be found in maternal blood and urine
✓The purpose of this hormone is to act as a
fail-safe measure to ensure that the corpus
luteum continuous to produce progesterone and
estrogen.
• ESTROGEN
✓produced as a second product of the
placenta. It contributes to the woman’s
mammary gland development in preparation for
lactation and stimulates uterine growth to
accommodate the developing fetus.
✓Referred to as the “Hormone of Women”
• PROGESTERONE
✓Referred to as the “Hormone of Mothers”.
✓It is necessary to maintain the endometrial
lining of the uterus during pregnancy. It is
present as early as the fourth week of
pregnancy, as a result of the continuation of
the corpus luteum.
✓This hormone also appears to reduce the
contractility of the uterus during pregnancy,
preventing premature labor.
•HUMAN PLACENTAL LACTOGEN
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✓Hormone with growth-promoting and
lactogenic (milkproducing) properties.
✓It is produces by the placenta beginning as
early as sixth week of pregnancy, increasing to
a peak level at term.
✓It promotes mammary gland growth in
preparation for lactation in the mother.
✓It serves as important role in regulating
maternal glucose, protein and fat levels so that
adequate amounts of these nutrients are
always available to the fetus.
ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF
ORGAN SYSTEM
• CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
✓One of the first system to become
functional.
✓The first site of hematopoeisis is the yolk
sac. Other sites of blood formation are the
liver, bone marrow and spleen. Fetal blood is
more concentrated and it has greater oxygen
affinity making it more efficient than adult
blood.
✓Simple blood cells joined to the walls of the
yolk sac progress to become a network of blood
vessels and a single heart tubes which forms as
early as the 16th day of life and beats as early
as the 24th day.
✓On the sixth or seventh week, septum that
divides the heart into chamber developed.
✓Heart halves begin to develop on seventh
week.
✓Heartbeat may be heard with a doppler
instrument as early as the 10th to 12th week
of pregnancy.
FETAL CIRCULATION
• FORAMEN OVALE – connects the left
and right atrium, by passing fetal lungs.
Converted after birth into FOSSA OVALIS
• UMBILICAL VEIN – bring oxygenated
blood coming from the placenta to the heart
and liver. Converted into LIGAMENTUM
TERES
•UMBILICAL ARTERIES – carry unoxygenated
blood from the fetus to placenta. Converted
into umbilical ligaments
•DUCTUS VENOSUS – carry oxygenated blood
from pulmonary artery to aorta, bypassing
fetal liver. Converted into
LIGAMENTUM VENOSUM
• DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS – carry
oxygenated blood from
pulmonary artery to aorta, bypassing fetal
lungs. It is converted
after birth into LIGAMENTUM ARTERIOSUM
• As early as the 3rd week, fetal blood
begins to exchange nutrients with the maternal
circulation.
• Fetal circulation differs from
extrauterine circulation because the fetus
 PH.AS.AP-BSN2A

derives oxygen and excretes carbon dioxide not

from the gas exchange in the lung but from
gas exchange in the placenta.

• Blood arriving at the fetus from the

placenta is highly oxygenated.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

✓3rd week of the intrauterine life,

respiratory and digestive tracts exists as a
single tube.

✓By the end of 4th week, septums begins to

divide the esophagus from the trachea.

✓At the end of 7th week, the diaphragm

becomes complete.

✓If the diaphragm fails to close completely, the

stomach, spleen, liver or intestine may be
pulled up into the thoracic cavity.

✓Between 24th weeks and 28th weeks, alveoli

and capillaries begin to form.

✓3rd months of gestation, spontaneous

respiratory practice movements begins.

✓24th week, SURFACTANT, a phospholipid

substance is formed and excreted by the
alveolar cells.
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NERVOUS SYSTEM
✓3rd week to 4th week begins to develop
✓A neural plate is apparent by the 3rd week.
The top portion differentiates into the neural
tube, which all form the central nervous
system (brain and spinal cord), and the neural
crest, which will develop into the peripheral
nervous system.
✓All parts of the brain form in utero, although
none are completely mature at birth.
✓The eye and inner ear develop as projections
of the original neural tube.
✓By 24 weeks, ear is capable of responding to
sounds; the eyes exhibit a pupillary reaction,
indicating that sight is present.
✓Brain waves can be detected on an
electroencephalogram (EEG) by 8th week.
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
✓The fetal endrenal glands supply a precursor
necessary for estrogen synthesis by the
placenta
✓The fetal pancreas produces insulin needed by
the fetus.
✓The thyroid and parathyroid glands play a
vital roles in fetal metabolic function and
calcium balance.
• MUCOSKELETAL SYSTEM
✓2 weeks, cartilage prototypes provide position
and support.
✓12th week, ossification of cartilage to bones
begins.
✓11th week, fetus can be seen to move on an
ultrasound.
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
✓6 weeks, the intestine enter the base of the
umbilical cord because the abdomen is still too
small to accommodate all of it. It remains
there until the 10th week when the fetal
abdomen has enlarged enough to accommodate
all the intestinal mass. If the intestines fail to
return to the abdominal cavity so that it
protrudes at the umbilicus, this is a
malformation called OMPHALOCELE.
✓MECONIUM – a collection of cellular wastes.
Bile, Fats, mucoprotein, mucopolysaccharides
and portion of vernix caseosa, the lubricating
substance that forms on the fetal skin,
accumulates in the intestines as early as the
16th week. Meconium is apparently excreted in
early fetal life. Excretion of meconium late in
pregnancy suggests fetal anoxia and respiratory
distress. Meconium is black or green and sticky
in nature. It derives its color from bile
pigments.
Sucking and swallowing reflexes are not mature
until the fetus is at about 32 weeks or
1500g.
• 36 weeks, the ability of gastrointestinal
tract to secrete enzymes essential to
carbohydrate and protein digestion is mature.
• Liver is active throughout gestation,
functioning as a filter between the incoming
blood and the fetal circulation and as deposit
site for fetal stores such as iron and glycogen
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but is still immature at birth. This can possibly

lead to

HYPOGLYCEMIA and HYPERBILIRUBINEMIA,

two serious problems in the first 24 hours
after birth.

URINARY SYSTEM

✓Kidneys are present as early as the end of

the 4th week but it does not appear essential
for life before birth because the placenta clears
the fetus of wastes products.

✓12th week, urine is formed and excreted into

the amniotic fluid by the 16th week.

✓Fetal urine is being excreted at the rate of

500ml/day.

•IMMUNE SYSTEM

✓Immunoglobulin G (IgG) maternal antibodies

cross placenta into the fetus as early as the
20th week and certainly by the 24th week to
give a fetus temporary passive immunity
against diseases for which the mother has
antibodies.

✓A fetus is capable of active antibody

production late in pregnancy.