Fertilization, Embryo
Development, and
Placenta Formation
Introduction
-Introduction to fertilization
-Importance in human reproduction
-Overview of key steps of fertilization
- Overview of fetal development and maternal changes
- Importance of prenatal care
Introduction to Fertilization
• Fertilization is the process where a sperm cell fuses with an egg cell to
form a zygote.
• It marks the beginning of human development.
• Normally occurs in the ampulla of the fallopian tube.
• Ensures genetic recombination from both parents.
Step 1 – Sperm Transport
• Millions of sperm are released into the female reproductive tract.
• Sperm undergo capacitation (biochemical changes that improve
motility and membrane fluidity).
• Only a few hundred sperm survive the journey to the ampulla of the
fallopian tube.
Step 2 – Oocyte Activation
• The secondary oocyte is released from the ovary during ovulation.
• It is surrounded by:
• Corona Radiata – Layer of follicular cells.
• Zona Pellucida – Protective glycoprotein shell.
• The oocyte remains arrested in metaphase II of meiosis until
fertilization occurs.
Step 3 – Sperm Penetration
• Sperm must pass through three
barriers:
• Corona Radiata – Enzymes from
multiple sperm help disperse
these cells.
• Zona Pellucida – Sperm bind to
ZP3 receptors, triggering the
acrosome reaction.
• Oocyte Membrane – The first
sperm to reach the membrane
fuses with the oocyte.
Step 4 – Cortical Reaction
• Once a sperm enters, the cortical granules inside the oocyte release
enzymes.
• This causes the zona pellucida to harden, preventing polyspermy
(entry of multiple sperm).
• Ensures only one sperm fertilizes the egg.
Step 5 – Completion of Meiosis II
• The oocyte completes meiosis II, forming:
• A mature ovum (haploid).
• A second polar body, which degenerates.
• The sperm nucleus decondenses, forming the male pronucleus.
Step 6 – Pronuclear Fusion
• The male and female pronuclei migrate toward each other.
• Chromosomes align and undergo syngamy (fusion of genetic
material).
• A zygote is formed with 46 chromosomes (diploid).
Formation of the Zygote
• The newly formed zygote begins mitotic cleavage.
• It travels through the fallopian tube toward the uterus.
• By Day 4-5, the zygote develops into a blastocyst, ready for
implantation.
Factors Affecting Fertilization
• Sperm Quality: Motility, morphology, and count.
• Timing of Ovulation: Egg viability lasts only 12-24 hours.
• Hormonal Balance: Estrogen and progesterone levels.
• Fallopian Tube Patency: Blockages prevent fertilization.
Clinical Aspects of Fertilization
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Assisted reproduction where sperm
fertilizes an egg outside the body.
• Contraception:
Barrier methods (condoms, diaphragms).
Hormonal methods (birth control pills, IUDs).
• Infertility Causes:
Male factors: Low sperm count, poor motility.
Female factors: Blocked fallopian tubes, ovulatory disorders.
Embryo Development
Weeks 1-4
- Fertilization and implantation
- Formation of the blastocyst and early placenta
- Early hormonal changes (hCG production)
-Gastrulation starts= the inner cell or embryo starts differentiating into
three germinal layers, i.e. ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm.
Ectoderm- nervous system, brain, spinal cord, epidermis, hair, nails, etc.
Mesoderm- connective tissue, muscles, circulatory system, notochord,
bone, kidney, gonads
Endoderm- internal organs, stomach, liver, pancreas, bladder, lung, gut
lining
Weeks 5-8
- Heart starts beating (Week 5)
- Limb buds develop
- Major organ systems begin forming
- Neural tube closes (Week 6)
- First signs of facial features (Week 7-8)
Weeks 9-12
- Fetus officially formed (Week 9)
- Fingers and toes become distinct
- Reflex movements begin
- External genitalia start differentiating
- Risk of miscarriage decreases
Weeks 13-16
- Baby’s movements may start (quickening in some women)
- Lanugo (fine hair) begins developing
- Facial expressions form
- Gender can be identified by ultrasound
Weeks 17-20
- Stronger fetal movements felt
- Vernix caseosa (protective skin layer) forms
- Rapid brain growth
- Development of sleep-wake cycles
Weeks 21-24
- Lungs begin producing surfactant
- Baby responds to sounds
- Eyelids begin to open
- Viability increases by end of Week 24
Weeks 25-28
- Lungs and nervous system mature further
- Baby gains more fat
- Can detect light changes through closed eyelids
- More regular sleep patterns
Weeks 29-32
- Major growth spurt
- Bones harden but skull remains soft
- Baby practices breathing movements
- Baby’s position may shift head-down
Weeks 33-36
- Baby gains significant fat for warmth
- Stronger movements and kicks
- Digestive system is nearly mature
- Head may engage in pelvis
Weeks 37-40
- Full-term pregnancy
- Baby practices breathing and sucking
- Skin smoothens as fat accumulates
- Baby drops lower into pelvis for birth
- Labor may begin anytime after Week 37
Fetal Development Stages
• First trimester: Organogenesis and rapid cell division.
• Second trimester: Growth and limb movement.
• Third trimester: Maturation and fat accumulation.
Placental Development
Introduction
- The placenta is a temporary organ that connects the developing fetus to the
uterine wall.
- Functions: -Gas exchange, nutrient supply,waste removal, immune
protection, and hormone production.
-Essential for fetal growth and development.
-
Weeks 1-2: Pre-implantation Phase
- Fertilization occurs in the fallopian tube.
- Zygote undergoes mitotic divisions, forming a blastocyst.
- Around Day 6-7, the blastocyst reaches the uterus and begins
implantation.
- The trophoblast differentiates into:
1. Cytotrophoblast: Inner layer of mononucleated cells.
2. Syncytiotrophoblast: Outer multinucleated layer that invades the
endometrium.
Weeks 3-4: Implantation and Early
Placenta Formation
- Syncytiotrophoblast secretes human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to
maintain the corpus luteum.
- Primary villi form from proliferating cytotrophoblast cells.
- Maternal spiral arteries begin interacting with the trophoblast,
initiating uteroplacental circulation.
Weeks 5-8: Chorionic Villi
Development
- Secondary villi form as mesoderm invades primary villi (Week 5).
- Tertiary villi develop as fetal blood vessels begin to form inside the villi
(Week 6-7).
- The placenta establishes a functional maternal-fetal exchange system.
Primary
villous Secondary
villous
Weeks 9-12: Placental Maturation
- The placenta expands, increasing surface area for exchange.
- Chorionic villi differentiate into:
1. Smooth Chorion: Non-functional regions regress.
2. Villous Chorion (Chorion Frondosum): Functional area that remains
in contact with maternal blood.
- Placental barrier forms, allowing selective exchange of substances.
Weeks 13-24: Functional Expansion
- Placenta enlarges to support rapid fetal growth.
- Increased hormone production: hCG levels decline while progesterone
and estrogen rise.
- Formation of placental cotyledons, structural units containing fetal
capillaries.
Weeks 25-40: Final Maturation
- The placenta reaches full functional capacity.
- Enhanced maternal-fetal nutrient, gas, and waste exchange.
- Produces hormones to maintain pregnancy and trigger labor.
Placental Functions
• Gas Exchange: Oxygen and carbon dioxide transfer between mother
and fetus.
• Nutrient Transport: Glucose, amino acids, lipids, vitamins, and
minerals.
• Waste Removal: Urea, bilirubin, and carbon dioxide transported back
to maternal circulation.
• Immune Protection: IgG antibodies pass through the placenta to
provide passive immunity.
• Hormonal Regulation: hCG, progesterone, estrogen, and placental
lactogen support pregnancy.
Placental Abnormalities
• Placenta Previa: Placenta covers the cervix, leading to bleeding risks.
• Placental Abruption: Premature separation from the uterine wall,
causing fetal distress.
• Placental Insufficiency: Poor placental function leading to fetal
growth restriction.
• Preeclampsia: Placental dysfunction leading to high maternal blood
pressure.
summary
• Fertilization is a highly coordinated process ensuring genetic
recombination.
• It marks the beginning of embryonic development.
• Understanding fertilization is crucial for reproductive health and
medical advancements.
• The placenta is a complex, multifunctional organ essential for fetal
survival.
• Proper development ensures a healthy pregnancy outcome.
• Regular prenatal monitoring helps detect and manage placental
complications.
• The placenta is a complex, multifunctional organ essential for fetal
survival.
• Proper development ensures a healthy pregnancy outcome.
• Regular prenatal monitoring helps detect and manage placental
complications.
THANK YOU!!!
