1. Fertilization: A sperm cell from the male fertilizes an egg cell from the female, combining their genetic material.
2. Zygote formation: The fertilized egg cell is now called a zygote, containing a complete set of chromosomes.
3. Cleavage: The zygote undergoes rapid cell division (mitosis) without increasing in size, forming a solid ball of cells called a morula.
4. Blastulation: The morula develops a fluid-filled cavity, forming a hollow ball of cells called a blastocyst.
5. Implantation: The blastocyst implants into the lining of the uterus.
6. Gastrulation: Cells within the blastocyst rearrange and differentiate, forming three primary germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. These layers will give rise to all the tissues and organs of the body.
7. Organogenesis: The germ layers differentiate further, forming the major organs of the body.
8. Fetal development: The embryo continues to grow and develop, becoming a fetus.
Important Note: This is a simplified overview. The actual process is much more complex and involves a variety of signaling molecules, growth factors, and genetic regulation.
