Module 4 Fertilization to Birth

Introduction

 

When the sperm met the egg, your genetic features were established through the union of your two parental sets of DNA. DNA also directed the unicellular fertilized egg through cell divisions to become a multi-cellular organism. During this developmental period, cells responded to DNA by differentiation and specializing into tissues, organs, and systems that made up your body. Hormones regulated this development. Environmental factors could have been able to enhance, or have drastic detrimental effects, during your development. Your presence constitutes the continuation of the species and was dependent on this union of egg and sperm.

 

In this module you will come to understand the process of gestation. You will examine what happens to the egg after it has been fertilized, the developmental stages of the embryo and fetus, and finally how the birth process produces a new off spring.  You will exam how reproductive technologies enhance fertilization and are used in the birthing process.

In This Module

 

Below is a brief description of each of the lessons you will work through in this module. 

 

Lesson 1: Fertilization and Embryonic Development

 

In this lesson, you will learn to describe the process of embryonic development and name the major events and membrane formations that occur throughout embryonic development. You will learn to identify the germ layers, stating what structures arise from each layer. From this lesson, you will learn to describe the hormones related to fertilization and pregnancy. Finally you will learn to describe how twins are formed.

 

The following focusing questions are addressed in this lesson:

• What are the sequences of events and hormone controls that occur throughout fertilization and embryonic development?

• What major tissues and organs arise from the ecto-, meso-, and endo-derm?

• How are twins formed?

Lesson 2: Fetal Development, Trimester Events and Environmental Factors

 

In this lesson, you will learn to state the major events in fetal development as it relates to each of the trimesters. You will learn to describe the significance of the first trimester. You will need to identify harmful substances that are damaging for both embryonic and fetal development. You will also need to state what conditions these substances can cause for the developing offspring.

 

The folllowing focusing questions are addressed in this lesson:

 

• What are the major events for fetal development of each trimester?

• What is the significance of teratogens on embryo and fetal development?

 

Lesson 3: Hormones and the Birthing Process

 

In this lesson, you will learn to relate both the neural and hormonal changes that bring about the birthing process.

 

The folllowing focusing questions are addressed in this lesson:

• What triggers the birthing process, and what are the stages of this process?

• What controls lactation?

Lesson 4: Reproductive Technologies: Enhancing or Reducing Fertility, Monitoring Development and Use in Parturition

 

In this lesson, you will come to understand how technology can be used to enhance fertilization, monitor fetal development and assist in parturition.

 

The following focusing question are addressed in this lesson:

• What technologies are used to assist fertilization, to monitor development, and are used during parturition?

 

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