NURSING AND MIDWIFERY TRAINING COLLEGE,

HOHOE

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY OF THE REPRODUCTIVE

SYSTEM AND FOETUS II
GROUP 4 PRESENTING
ON
FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE
EMBRYO AND THEIR PREVENTION
 OBJECTIVES
By the end of the discussion, we will be able
to understand;
✓What an embryo is
✓Stages of the development of an embryo
✓Factors that affect the embryo’s
development
✓The causes
✓The prevention
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 INTRODUCTION
❖An embryo is an organism in the earliest stage of the development, in
the uterus of a woman, from the time of conception to the end of the
seventh week.

❖It is the developing individual between the union of the germ cells and
the completion of the organs which characterize its body when it
becomes a separate organ.

❖Thus, the moment the sperm cell of the human male fuses with the
secondary oocyte of the female and the union results in fertilized ovum
(zygote), a new life begins.

❖NB: the term embryo covers the several stages of early development
from conception to the eighth (8th) week of life. (Considine et al, 1976).
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 STAGES OF THE EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT 1/2

❖Fertilization

❖Development of the blastocyst

❖Development of the embryo

❖Fetal development

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 STAGES OF THE EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT 2/2
FERTILIZATION
❖The fusion of the genetic material from the haploid (23
chromosomes) sperm cell and the secondary oocyte (haploid)
to form a zygote. (Marshall & Raynor)

DEVELOPMENT OF THE BLASTOCYST

❖When cleavage occur after fertilization, then a morula is
formed. Then as the morula propels toward the uterus, a cavity
appears in the center, pushing the cells to one side with a
single layer of cells surrounding it. Fluid appears in the spaces.
At this stage of development, the mass of cells become the
blastocyst.
❖From there, this is implantation to embryo development from
the inner cell mass/embryoblast.
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 FACTORS AFFECTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE
EMBRYO 1/3
1. PROBLEMS WITH FERTILIZATION
❖Absence of sperm/egg: If a woman has an anovulatory cycle where
she does not release an egg or if no sperm reaches the egg because
of azoospermia or low perm count, then fertilization will not occur.
❖Sperm’s ability to reach the egg: Poor sperm motility or poor
chemotaxis (sperm’s ability to navigate toward the egg) can cause
problems. Or, if the woman’s cervical mucus does not thin enough
during ovulation, it may not allow sperm to reach the eggs since the
sperms would not be able to penetrate through it.
❖Sperm penetration: Sperm relies on a chemical reaction called an
acrosome reaction, that helps it create a hole or penetrate the egg
(secondary oocyte). Inability to penetrate, inhibits fertilization.
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FACTORS AFFECTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE
EMBRYO 2/3
2. PROBLEM WITH BLASTOCYST DEVELOPMENT
The exact cause is unknown or not fully understood
but they are typically related to genetic
abnormalities in the sperm or egg.
3. EMPTY GESTATIONAL SAC OR BLIGHTED
OVUM
Failure for the embryo to develop or if the embryo
stops developing after fertilization.
A blighted ovum is usually caused by chromosomal
or genetic problems during cell division.
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FACTORS AFFECTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE
EMBRYO 3/3

4. IMPROPER CHROMOSOME ARRANGEMENT

This potentially affect the development of
important structures like the heart or brain.
5. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Environmental factors such as malnutrition,
infection, toxic exposure, etc. can have effect on
genetic expression and can cause death of the
developing embryo or can cause congenital
malformations.
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PICTURES OF BLIGHTED OVUM 1/2

8
PICTURES OF BLIGHTED OVUM 2/2

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 CAUSES
❖Teratogen such as, drugs, medicine,
chemicals, toxic substances, etc.
❖Chromosomal abnormalities
❖Single gene mutation (also referred
to as monogenic disease)
❖Environmental factors

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 TREATMENT
❖Avoidance of teratogens
❖Mother’s nutrition should be
monitored
❖Infections should be treated
❖Low sperm count must be treated
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 REFERENCE
Considine, Doughs (1976). Van Nostrand’s Encyclopedia (5th edition). New York:
Van Nostrand Reinhold Company.

Marshall, J., Raynor, M.,(Ed) (2020). Myles textbook for midwives. (17th edition).
Poland: Elsevier.

https://embryology.med.unsw.edu.au/ embryology/index.php/Blastocyst_De
velopment#Introduction.

Brosens, J. J. et al. Uterine Selection of Human Embryos at Implantation. Sci. Rep.

4, 3894 (2015).

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases- conditions/pregnancy-loss-
miscarriage/expert-answers/blighted- ovum/faq-20057783. (Accessed: 6th June
2017)

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 GROUP MEMBERS
NAME INDEX NUMBER
Adansi Deborah MTCHHRM210031
Abekah Abigail MTCHHRM210006
Obeng Felicity MTCHHRM200126
Batse Pamela MTCHHRM200021
Ohene Precious MTCHHRM210098
Anabel Boateng MTCHHRM200141
Tovor Anita MTCHHRM210169
Abigail Dzigbordi MTCHHRM210142
Boamah Josephine MTCHHRM210056
Suala Yasmine MTCHHRM210120
Lawoekpor Rosemary MTCHHRM210095
Priscilla Asare MTCHHRM210156
Zrukanain Hamdia MTCHHRM210123
Beauty Otoo MTCHHRM210116
Kenu Elizabeth MTCHHRM210081
13
THANK
YOU