Class Summary - Today we talked about conception. We discussed the phases of the menstrual cycle (menstruation, foliculation, ovulation, and luteal phase) and the pathway of sperm to reach egg for fertilization. We then briefly discussed what happens after fertilization. After fertilization, the ovum becomes a zygote. It divides becoming a morula and then a blastocyst. It makes it’s way down the Fallopian tube and embeds into the uterus as an embryo. The gestational period for human s is 37-40 weeks. During labor, the cervical canal shortens this is called effacement. The cervix dilates and the uterus contracts pushing the fetus through the vagina. The last step is delivery of the placenta.
Homework - None
Objectives - Students will describe the menstrual cycle and explain the events of fertilization and the conversion of the egg into a zygote. Students will discuss the process of development.