Foundations Practical - Week 1 and 2

Fertilization and Blastocyst Development

The menstrual cycle dictates timing of fertilization and implantation and therefore when life can begin.

Development starts before fertilization with the release of the egg from the ovary (ovulation). This process along with preparation of the uterus for implantation is an endocrine controlled cycle, the menstrual cycle.

This first page will give a brief overview of: menstrual cycle, fertilization, blastocyst and implantation. You are not expected to know everything about these processes, just keep track of the relative "timings" as to when specific processes occur.

Ovulation

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Links: Development Animation - Ovulation | Movie - Ovulation 01

Menstrual Facts

The average menstrual cycle is 28 days with ovulation (egg release) occuring approximately the middle of the cycle.
The last menstrual period is used clinically in determining developmental ages. (More Birth Date)
Menstruation phase (period) is the loss of the uterus epithelial functional layer and occurs if fertilization and implantation has not occurred before the end of the current cycle.

Week 1 Movies


Ovulation	Fertilization	Pronuclear Fusion	Week 1	Ovulation in the rabbit	Fertilization in the mouse

Pregnancy Test

Pregnancy test

Spermatogenesis - If you have some time in the Lab also have a look at the topic of Spermatogenesis and the testis structure.

Glossary: A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | Numbers

Cite this page: Hill, M.A. (2024, June 27) Embryology Foundations Practical - Week 1 and 2. Retrieved from https://embryology.med.unsw.edu.au/embryology/index.php/Foundations_Practical_-_Week_1_and_2

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