II. Events of Embryonic Development: Zygote to Blastocyst Implantation
(pp. 1067, 1070–1074; Figs. 28.4–28.8)
A. Early Embryonic Development (pp. 1067, 1070–1074; Figs. 28.4–28.8)
1. Early embryonic development begins with fertilization and continues with the move-
ment of the embryo to the uterus, where it implants in the uterine wall.
2. The mitotic divisions after fertilization occur without much growth between divisions,
resulting in progressively smaller cells, a process called cleavage.
3. Implantation occurs after 6–7 days; the trophoblast adheres to the endometrium and
produces enzymes that irritate the endometrium.
4. Placentation is the formation of the placenta and is the process of proliferation of the
trophoblast.
a. The placenta is fully functional as a nutritive, respiratory, excretory, and endocrine
organ by the end of the third month of gestation.
III. Events of Embryonic Development: Gastrula to Fetus (pp. 1074–1081;
Figs. 28.9–28.14)
A. Formation and Roles of the Extraembryonic Membranes (pp. 1074–1075)
1. While implantation is occurring, the blastocyst is being converted into a gastrula,
in which three primary germ layers form and embryonic membranes develop.
a. The amnion forms the transparent sac ultimately containing the embryo and
provides a buoyant environment that protects the embryo from physical trauma.
B. Gastrulation: Germ Layer Formation (pp. 1075–1076; Fig. 28.9)
1. Gastrulation is the process of transforming the two-layered embryonic disc to a three-
layered embryo containing three germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.
2. Gastrulation begins with the appearance of the primitive streak, which establishes the
long axis of the embryo.