1. Fertilization: A sperm cell unites with an egg cell. This combines the genetic material from both parents, creating a single-celled zygote.
2. Cleavage: The zygote undergoes rapid cell division, forming a ball of cells called a morula.
3. Blastulation: The morula develops a fluid-filled cavity, becoming a blastocyst. The blastocyst has two main parts: the inner cell mass (which will become the embryo) and the outer cell mass (which will become the placenta).
4. Implantation: The blastocyst attaches to the uterine wall. This begins the process of establishing the embryo's connection to the mother's circulatory system.
5. Gastrulation: The inner cell mass undergoes a series of complex rearrangements to form the three primary germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. These layers will differentiate into all the tissues and organs of the body.
6. Organogenesis: The germ layers develop into specific organs and organ systems. This includes the formation of the brain, heart, lungs, digestive system, and other essential structures.
7. Growth and Development: The embryo continues to grow and develop, with organs becoming more complex and functional.
This is a simplified overview, and the actual processes are much more intricate and involve intricate interactions between genes, hormones, and cellular signaling pathways.
