Developmental Lab

We will explore the fascinating stages of pre-embryonic and embryonic development. Our goal is to help you understand the complex processes that occur during the early stages of human development and recognize the key events that shape the formation of a human being.

·         Identify the stages of pre-embryonic development, including fertilization, cleavage, morula formation, blastocyst formation, and implantation. You will learn about the changes that occur in the fertilized egg, or zygote, as it transforms into a blastocyst and implants into the uterine lining.

·         Describe the key events during the embryonic stage of development, such as gastrulation, neurulation, and organogenesis. You will gain an understanding of how the three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm) form and give rise to the various organs and tissues in the body.

By using microscope slides and images of pre-embryonic and embryonic stages to help you visualize the developmental processes, along with models and diagrams to illustrate the changes that occur during each stage of development, we hope to help facilitate the understanding of the developmental stages. By the end of this session, you will have a deeper appreciation for the intricate processes that occur during the early stages of human development and a solid foundation for further study in this fascinating field.

Objectives

·         Identify and describe the stages of pre-embryonic development, including fertilization, cleavage, morula formation, blastocyst formation, and implantation.

·         Explain the process of gastrulation and the formation of the three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm) during the embryonic stage of development.

·         Recognize the key events and structures involved in neurulation and organogenesis.

·         Use microscope slides and images to observe and identify various stages of pre-embryonic and embryonic development.

·         Interpret and analyze models and diagrams to understand the changes that occur during each stage of development.

·         Apply knowledge of human development to real-life scenarios and discuss the implications of developmental processes on human health and well-being.

Materials

·         Developmental microscope slides

·         Developmental models

Developmental Stages

Draw each requested stage/time. Also, write a description of that stage including time of occurrence, location of the event, and any supporting information.  Use microscope slides and models for reference.

Review Questions

How do genetic and environmental factors influence the development of individual embryos and fetuses?

1.       What is the role of the developmental system in human growth and maturation?
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2.       How does the developmental system coordinate cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration?
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3.       Describe the anatomy of a sperm cell and its role in fertilization.
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4.       Explain the anatomy of an oocyte and its role in fertilization.
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5.       What is menstruation and how is it regulated?
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6.       Describe the process of fertilization and the steps involved in sperm penetration of the egg.
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7.       What are the key events and milestones during the embryonic stage of development?
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8.       How does the fetal stage of development differ from the embryonic stage?
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9.       What changes occur in the mother's body during gestation and childbirth to accommodate and support the growing fetus?
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10.    How do genetic and environmental factors influence the development of individual embryos and fetuses?
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