FOETAL

DEVELOPMENT
By
Kripa susan kurien
Tutor
GCON
DAMAN
DEVELOPMENT OF THE FERTILISED
OVUM
SEGMENTATION – MORULLA
IMPLANTATION
IMPLANTATION
POST- IMPLANTATION CHANGES IN THE
UTERUS
DEVELOPMENT OF THE FERTILIZED
OVUM
 A. TROPHOBLAST
INNER CELL MASS
DEVELOPMENT OF THE
PLACENTA
THE PLACENTA
 Human placenta is discoid in shape , this placenta is
attached to the uterine wall and establishes connection
between the mother and the fetus through the umbilical
cord
 DEVELOPMENT OF THE PLACENTA
 Small projection appear on the trophoblast layer of the
blastocyst – which proliferate and branch from three weeks
after fertilisation , forming the chronic villi .
 The villi becomes more profuse in the area where the blood
supply is richest – i.e in the basal decidua . This part is called
as the chorion fundosum – it will develop the placenta
 The villi under the capsular decidua , being less well nourished
, gradually degenerate and form the chorion laeve.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PLACENTA
 The FUNCTIONAL ELEMENT OF THE placenta is
called as the CHORIONIC VILLI- These are small
finger like projections formed on the surface of the
trophoblast ..
 It is within this villi that the capillaries through which
the fetal blood circulates , and the exchange b/w fetal
and maternal circulation takes place .
PLACENTA DEVELOPMENT
FORMATION OF CHORIONIC VILLI
-Functional element of the placenta
-Small fingerlike process
-Villi are surrounded by maternal blood
-In the villi there are capillaries through which the fetal
blood circulates
-Exchange between fetal and maternal circulations takes
place through the tissues forming the walls of the villi
-villi are formed as from the surface of the trophoblast
 The trophoblast and extra embryonic mesoderm constituents
chorion,the villi arising from it are called chorionic villi
 It will first formed all over the trophoblast and grow into the
surrounding decidua
 Thse villi which is related to decidua basalis undergo
considerable development,along with the tissues of the basalis
these villi form a disc shape mass called placenta
 The part of chorion that helps to form placenta called chorion
fundosum
 The villi related to the decidua capsularis are less
nourished,gradually degenerate and thin part of chorion
becomes smooth and is called the chorion laevae
 HOW THE CHORIONIC VILLI IS FORMED

Trophoblast
multiply
syncytiotrophoblast &cyto trophoblast

syncytiotrophoblast grows rapidly and becomes thick

Small cavities appear in thin layer is called lacunae

 Lacunae are separated by partitions of syncytium which are
called trabeculae

 Trabeculae is initially made up of syncytio trophoblast but later

cytotrophoblast grows into it

 Syncytio trophoblast grows in to the endometium.As the

endometrium is eroded some blood vessels are opened up and
blood from them fills the lacunae space

 Trabeculus is now called as a primary villus and it is

surrounded by maternal blood
 Lacunar space is now called as intervillous space

 Extra embryonic mesoderm invades the centre of each

primary villus this structure is called as secondary villus

 Blood vessels can be seen in the mesoderm forming the core

of each secondary villus is fully formed is called tertiary
villus

 Fetal blood circulates through the villia and maternal blood

circulates through the intervillous space
 2 villi
–anchoring villi:few villi attached to deciduae
-nutritive villi: some villi are able to absorb food and
oxygen and excrete waste
FURTHER DEVELOPMENT- MATURE PLACENTA (PLACENTAL
EXAMINATION PROCEDURE

 Placenta now becomes subdivided in to a number of

lobes, by septa that grow in to the intervillus space from
the maternal side
 Each such lobe of placenta is called a maternal
cotyledon(15-20 in no)it is rough
 It has two surface – maternal and fetal surface

 The fetal surface – is smooth , shiny and transparent .

The umbilical cord is attached to the fetal surface near
the center , branches of umbilical vessels radiate out
under the amnion .
 THE MATERNAL SURFACE – is finely granular , and
divided into 15 to 30 lobes that are called cotyledons ,
which are seperated by series of fissures or furrows
called sulci .
THE MATURE PLACENTA
 The placenta is a flattened disc like mass .
 Its average volume is 500 ml

 Average weight of the placenta is 500 gms

 Average diameter is 20 cms and thickness 2.5 cm

STRUCTURE OF PLACENTA

Internally by the amniotic membrane and chorionic

plate(fetal aspect)

And externally by basal plate(maternal aspect)and between

these two the intervillous space which contain the stem
villi
CIRCULATION THROUGH THE
PLACENTA
 1.UTERO- PLACENTA CIRCULATION
Consist of circulation of maternal blood through the
intervillious space. Maternal blood is delivered to the
placental bed in the decidua by the spiral arteries that
follows in the blood space surrounding the villi .
2. FETO- CIRCULATION
The two umbilical arteries carry the impure blood from the
fetus , they enter the choronic plate , the arteries break
up into small branches which enter into the chronic villi.
CIRCULATION THROUGH THE
PLACENTA
FUNCTION OF THE PLACENTA
 Transport of oxygen,water,electrolytesand nutrition
 Excretion of carbondioxide,urea,and other waste
products
 Immunological antibodies- certain antibodies which the
mother posses passes through the barrier.
 Barrier function- limited barrier function

 Synthesis of hormones progestrone, oestogen,human

chorionic gonadotrophin and somatomammotropin
PLACENTA AT TERM
FETAL SAC
 Consist of a double membrane
CHRION
AMNION
Protects the fetus against ascending infection
CHORION – Outer membrane of fetal sac is known as
chorion, lies under the capsular decidua . It is closely
adherent to the uterine wall
AMNION – inner membrane of fetal sac , it contains the
amniotic fluid
FETAL SAC/ GESTATIONAL SAC
AMNIOTIC FLUID
 Termed as the liquior amni, is the fluid that distends the
amniotic sac , it allows for the growth and free
movement of the fetus .
 It equalizes pressure and protects the fetus from sudden
vibration and injury
 This maintains a constant temperature for the fetus

 CONSTITUENTS – is a clear , pale straw coloured fluid

consisting 99% water .
 Source – comes from both maternal and fetal sources

 Some from maternal vessels of the decidua and some

from the fetal vessels in the placenta
 VOLUME- at 38weeks-abt 1000ml
 At term its dimishes slighty – 800ml

 IF total voulme exceeds 1500ml – its called

polyhydramnious
 And if is less than 300 ml- its called oligohydramnious
THE UMBILICAL CORD
 Also called as the funis extends form the fetus to the
placenta
 Its consist of two umbilical arteries and one vein

 They are enclosed and protected by a gelatinous

substance known as wharton’s jelly
 The whole cord is covered in a layer of amnion

 LENGHT of the cord is 50 cms.

 Short cord – less than 40 cm

 Long cord – more 50 cm- can twist around the neck

 VARIATION , ANOMALIES AND
ABNORMALITIES OF THE PLACENTA
 1. Larger and heavier than normal placenta are seen with
excessively large fetus , fetal syphilis and erythroblast
 2. Smaller and LIGHER than normal placenta- general systemic
diseases or local uterine contraction , wiz cause
undernourishment
 3. colour of the placental – ligher – seen in anemia ,
erythroblastosis.
 4. excessive infarct formation – infarction of the cotyledons –
seen in hypertension
 5. edema of the placenta - -caused by heart disease, diabetes or
severe maternal heart disease or nephritis
 6. Tumors in placenta – seen associated with prematurity
and polyhydramnious – perinatal mortality and maternal
haemorhage are both increased
 7. syphilitic placenta – abnormal large , pale , yellow
gray placenta.
8. PLACENTA SUCCENTURIATA :when a smallpart of
the placenta is separated from the rest of it and joined to
it by blood vessels.
Small lobe may be retained in utero after the placenta is
delivered
 9.Extra chorial placenta
A placental anomaly observed on the fetal surface as a thick
white ring which gives the impression that the central
portion is somewhat depressed
There are two varieties of the extrachorial placenta
A. PLACENTA CIRCUMVALLATE OR
CIRCUMVALLATE PLACENTA – the ring is situated at
a variable distance btw the margin and the center of the
placenta.
B. B.PLACENTA MARGINATA OR CIRCUMMARGINAT-
The ring is located at the edge or the margin of the
placenta
 10. LOBULATED PLACENTA – appearence of multiple
placenta for a single baby , it is one placenta divided into
two or more parts either completely separated or joined
in parts .
 These lobes are hels together by one set of membranes
and blood vessels
 The number of lobes detremine as bipartite placenta or
tripartite placenta
VARIATION, ANOMALIES AND
ABNORMALITIES OF THE UMBILICAL
CORD
 1. battledore placenta – in this the umbilical cord is
inserted at the edge or the margin of the placenta
 2. Velamentaous insertion – the cord is inserted into the
membranes at some distance from the edge of the
placenta
This can be dangerous for the fetus. Rupture of the
membranes may also rupture a fetal blood vessel because
their portion is flimsy . A rupture cause hemorrhage and
exsanguination of the blood .
 3. vasa previa – refers to blood vessel , covered only
with amnion and running btw the chorion and the
amnion, which present first at the cervical os by crossing
it ahead of the fetal presenting part. With fetal descent
and rupture of the membranes , the vessels are subject to
compression and rupture leading to exsanguination and
anoxia of the fetus .
 4. Abnormal number of blood vessels – high correlation
with fetal anomalies . 1/3 of babies born with only one
umbilical artery will have multiple and severe
malformation
 5. short cord – short in length , because of looping
around the body or neck of the fetus . Failure to
descent ,abruptio placenta , umbilical hernia , fetal
distress .
 6. Excessive long cord – becomes looped around the
neck or fetal body.
 7. cord lopping- cord longer than 100 cm will become
loped , cause fetal distress
 8. cord knotting – two types
 FALSE KNOT – when cord appears knotted .occurs
because of kinking of blood vessels with the cord
 TRUE KNOT – When the fetus has passed through the
loop in the cord and a real knot appears
 9. Markedly decreased amount of wharton jelly – seen in
malnourished and post mature babies
 10. Rarities – cont may occur in the umbilical cord are
hematomas , tumors , cyst and edema
TRUE KNOT
FALSE KNOT
 Placenta membranacea or placenta diffusa is a rare abnormality
in which all or most of fetal membranes remain covered by
chorionic villi

Placenta membranacea, also known as a placenta diffusa,

is an extremely uncommon 
variation in placental morphology in which the placenta
develops as a thin membranous structure occupying the
entire periphery of the chorion.
STAGES OF FETAL DEVELOPMENT
 1. Pregenesis
 2. Conception

 3. Pre-embryonic

 4. Embryonic stage

 5. Fetal stage

PREGENESIS – Describes time after formation of the

germ cells and before the union of sperm and egg
CONCEPTION-Conception is the time when sperm
travels up through the vagina, into the uterus, and
fertilizes an egg found in the fallopian tube
 Prenatal or antenatal development is the process in
which embryo or fetus gestates during pregnancy
from
fertilization until birth.
It is also known as fetal development or embryology.
Development biology is the study of the sequences of
events from the fertilization of a secondary oocyte by
a
sperm cell to the formation of an adult organism.
Age of the fetus –
Gestational age is the duration of pregnancy
calculated from the first day of last menstrual
period (LMP).
It is greater than the post conception (fertilization)
age by 2 weeks.
 FERTILIZATION
Fertilization is also known as conception, is the
fusion of the sperm cell with secondary oocyte to
form the zygote.
The process takes approximately 24 hrs and
normally occur in the ampulla of uterine tube.
FERTILISATION
 IT IS THE PROCESS OF FUSION OF THE
SPERMATOZOON WITH THE MATURE
OVUM
 IT BEGINS WITH SPERM EGG COLLISION AND
ENDS WITH PRODUCTION OF A
MONONUCLEATED SINGLE CELL CALLED THE
ZYGOTE.
 FERTILIZABLE LIFE SPAN OF OOCYTE RANGES
FROM 12-24HRS WHEREAS THAT OF SPERM IS 48-
72HRS.
PROCESS OF FERTILISATION
The acrosomal layer of the sperm secrete the
enzyme hyaluronidase which disperse the corona
radiata (outermost layer of oocyte) allowing assess
to zona pellucida.
The sperm reaches to the zona pellucida and
penetrates it. Upon penetration a chemical reaction
known as the cortical reaction, which alters the
zona pellucida making it impermiable to other
sperm.
The plasma membranes of the sperm and oocyte
fuse, each pronucleus containing 23 chromosomes
refered as haploid, and become diploid having 46
numbers of chromosomes. This new cell is called
zygote.
During the first week the zygote travels along the
uterine tube towards the uterus, the zona pellucida
surrounds the zygote. It nourished by glycogen
secreted by globlet cell of uterine tube and later
the secretory cells of uterus.
The zygote undergoes mitotic cellular replication
refered as cleavage, resulting into the formation of
smaller cells known as blastomeres.
The zygote divides into two cells- at 1st
day
4 cells –at 2 days
8 by – 2.5 days
16 cells by- 3 days. Known as morula.
The cells binds together tightly in a process known
as compaction.
Cavitation occur whereby the outermost cells
secrete
fluid into the morula and form blastula comprising
of
58 cells.
BLASTOCYST
NIDATION
Implantation occurs in the endometrium of the
anterior or posterior wall of the body near the fundus
on 6th day.

The blastocyst possesses an inner cell mass or

embryoblast and outer cell mass or
trophoblast.
Trophoblast- becomes the placenta and
chorion.
Embryoblast- become embryo, amnion and
umbilical cord.
EMBRYOBLAST
Develops the embryo, and differentiate into two types
of cells-
 Epiblast- epiblast have three layers, which forms
the particular parts of the embryo. The first
appearance of these layers, collectively known as
the primitive streak is around 15 days.
 Hypoblast- the hypoblast cell migrate along with
inner cytotrophoblastic lining secreting extracellular
tissue which becomes the yolk sac.
 PRE- EMBRYONIC STAGE
 The first two weeks after fertilisation

 Seen in this – rapid cell division , development of embryonic

membranes and germ layers , development of the embryonic
membranes and germ layers

 FRIST WEEK
 Division of the zygote

 Zygote to morulla

 2 distinct layers on the morulla( continues to develop the

blastocyst) – inner call mass and outer trophoblast
 Zona pellucida disappears

 Blastocyst enlarges

 Trophobalst attaches to endometrium

 TROPHOB
LAST
Differentiate into two layers

syncytiotrophoblast

cytotrophoblast
SECOND WEEK
Inner cell mass differentiates into 2 layers
endoderm//hypoblast and ectoderm //epiblast
Amniotic cavity appears
Decidua divides – decidua basalis, parietalis , capsularis
9th day vacuoles appear ,fuse to form lacunae
11 th day syncutium enzyme break down the vessel walls
releasing blood
EMBRYOBLAST
Develops the embryo, and differentiate into two types
of cells-
 Epiblast- epiblast have three layers, which forms
the particular parts of the embryo. The first
appearance of these layers, collectively known as
the primitive streak is around 15 days.
 Hypoblast- the hypoblast cell migrate along with
inner cytotrophoblastic lining secreting extracellular
tissue which becomes the yolk sac.
POST- IMPLANTATION CHANGES IN THE
UTERUS
EMBRYONIC STAGE
 The embryonic stage of development begins at a day
15after conception and continues through week 8
 Here takes place gastrulation and neurulation

Gastrulation- The embryonic disc converts in to a

trilaminar embryonic disc.comprising 3 germ layers –
ectoderm(to become the epidermis and the nervous
system)
-mesoderm(to become the smooth muscle, and the
endoderm- epithelium lining of resp and digestive
system
Neurulation – process of developing the neural plates,
neural folds and neural tube .
EMBRYONIC PLATE
 The primitive streak – arising from the embryonic disc is
the growth center for the embryo – for 2 weeks after
which it disintegrates
 Neural tube- rudiments for the brain and spinal cord

 Notocord- rudiments of vertebrae

 Coelomic space – rudiments of vertebrae and primitive

blood vessesls develop
FOURTH WEEK
 A Longitudinal and transverse folding of the of the
embroyonic disc take place
 Longitudinal fold involves – a head fold and a tail fold ,
and embryo converts from a straight form to a curved form
 Heart starts to beat

 Embryo – salamander look – has rudiments of ear ( otic

pit), arms ( arm buds ), legs ( leg buds ) and facial and
neck structures are visible
 bThe head and neck are visible

 Optic pits are visible

 Malformations

Meningomyelocele :defect in the closure of the posterior

neural tube
 FIFTH WEEK
 Rapid development of brain , in relation to other body parts
 Development from cephalic to caudal

 Eyes begins to develop- lens, vesicles , optic cups , rectinal

pigments
 The embryo is approximately 8mm in length

 The head grows because of rapid development and differentiation

of the brain
 The cranial nerves have developed

 Atrial division in the heart begins

 Upper limb become paddle shaped

 SIXTH WEEK - - NOSE , MOUTH , and palate , eyelids
become visible
 The embryo is 12mm long

 The fissures of the brain are obvious

 The heart begins to divide in to chambers and the liver

begins to form RBC
 The trachea and lung buds appear and the oral and nasal
cavities are formed
 The upper and the lower jaw begin to form upper lip and
palate development
 Embryonic sex glands appear

 Ossification of the jaw and skull begins

 The wrist and elbow are identifiable

 Fingers and thumb form on like a paddle shaped hands

 Muscle begins to develop

SEVENTH WEEK
a)The embryo is approximately 18mm in length
b)Fetal heart beat can be heard and fetal circulation begins
c. Gatro-instentinal systems are developed .
Genitourinary and skeletal and muscular systems are
developed here.
6)8TH WEEK
 Embryo is 2.5-3cm in length and weighs 8gm

 Development of heart is complete ,and the circulatory

system through the umblical cord is formed
 Abdomen protrudes because the intestines are the in the
proximal part of the umbilical cord
 Anal membrane perforates and rectal passage opens

 Lips are fused

 External genitalia begin to differentiate .

 E)FETAL STAGE
 Time from the end of the 8th week until birth

 Longest period of prenatal development

 During this stage the conceptus make enough to be

called fetus
7)AT 9-12 WEEk
 By 12 week fetus is 8cm in length and weighs about
45gm
 By 12th week spontaneous movement of fetus occur,lip
movements indicate the development of sucking reflex
 HEART AND CIRCULATORY SYSTEM

-RBC’s are produced in the liver by 9th week

-By 12th week spleen begins to produce RBC
 GI SYSTEM

-The intestinal system from mouth to anus is patent

-By 12th week the face is well formed and broad
 The nose begins to protrude
 Tooth buds appear

 The palate is complete

 Bile secretions begin

GU SYSTEM
 The kidneys are begins to produce urine(amniotic fluid
increase)
 Well differentiated genitals appear

 Urogenital tract is developed

EYES AND EARS

 Widely spaced and fused

 Ears are set low and begins to acquire an adult shape

ENDOCRINE AND IMMUNOLOGIC SYSTEM

 Thyroid begins to secrete hormones
BETWEEN 13- 16WEEK
 At 13 week 9cm in length and wt between 55-60 gm

 Thumb sucking can be detect by ultrasonography

 Lungs are fully shaped

 Hard and soft palates are developed

 Fetus begin to swallow amniotic fluid

 Able to produce meconium in the intestinal tract

 Liver and pancreas begin to produce secretions

 The ovaries have differentiated

 External genitalia are formed

 Kidneys assume the normal shape

 Rapid skeletal development visible on x-ray

 Fetal skin is transparent and blood vessels are visible

 Downy lanugo hair begins to develop

 Eyes move to the front of the face

AT 17-20 WEEK
 Placental growth continues until the 20th week after that
only in thickness
 At 20 weeks 19 cm in length and 435-465gm in wt

 Heart tones are audible with a fetoscope

 Quickening

 Lung development continues

 Peristaltic movement begins

 Fetus is able to suck and swallow amniotic fluid

 Venix caseosa appears

 Nails are present in both fingers and toes

 Detectable levels of fetal antibodies are present

 Fetus store iron and bone marrow begins to function

AT 21-24 WEEK
 24 week 28 cm in length 780 gm in wt

 Brain structure is mature

 By 6th month fetus will exhibit a startle reflex

 Skin is red and wrinkled

 Alveoli of the lungs are beginning to form

 Secertory epithelial cells in the intra alveolar walls begins to

secrete surfactant
 The nostrils are reopen

 Testes descend to the inguinal ring

 Muscles are developed and fetus is more active

 Eyes fully developed and open

 Hair is growing longer

 Eyebrows and eye lashes have formed

 Vernix caseosa covers the entire body

 Ears are flat and shapeless but the fetus can hear
)25-29 WEEK
 35-38 cm in length ,1200gm in wt

 Brain continues to mature and grow in size

 Lungs are capable of breathing air,but fetus will need icu

care for survive
 Surfactant forms on the alveolar surface

 In male testes descend in to the scrotal sac

 In female clitoris is prominent and labia majora are small

and do not cover labia minora
 Erythropoiesis ends in spleen and begins in the
bonemarrow
30-34 WEEK
 Fetus gaining wt from an increase in muscle and fat

 The fetus will grow from about 1200-2000gm and a length

of 38cm to 40cm
 Reflexes are present

 Testes descend in to the scrotum.it is small and rugae are

present anteriorly
 Clitoris is covered and labia majora increase in size

 Pinna is still folded and soft

 Skin is less wrinkled and fetus is more filled out

 Fingernails extend to the end of fingertips

35-38WEEK
 46cm in length,2600gm in wt

 Fetus born at this time a good chance of survive

 Less wrinkled

 Lanugo disappears from the face

 Fetus has firm grasp and begins to orient to light

AT 39-40 WEEK
 Fetus is fullterm 50cm in length,3000-3600gm in wt

 Testes is palpable at the inguinal canal

 Labia majora are well developed

 Skin is smooth and a polished look

 Chest is prominent and slightly smaller than the head

 Fetal body fills most of the uterine cavity,and amniotic
fluid volume diminishes about 500ml
 Lanugo remains on shoulders and upper back only

POST TERM(42 WEEKS AND BEYOND)

 Fetus might gain wt, thus increasing the difficulty of
labour or might lose wt because parts of placenta fails to
function
 Fetus might pass meconium due to hypoxia from
placental insufficiency
 Nails and hair continue to grow
THANK YOU