🥸intro to psychology review

key term - Fetal Stage

Definition

The fetal stage is the final and most critical period of prenatal development, spanning from the 9th week of pregnancy until birth. During this stage, the fetus undergoes rapid growth and maturation, transitioning from an embryo to a fully formed infant ready for life outside the womb.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. During the fetal stage, the fetus grows rapidly, with the brain, organs, and limbs developing at an accelerated pace.
  2. The fetus becomes increasingly responsive to external stimuli, such as sound and touch, as the nervous system matures.
  3. Fetal movement, including kicking and hiccups, becomes more pronounced during the fetal stage.
  4. The placenta plays a critical role in the fetal stage, providing the fetus with oxygen, nutrients, and removing waste products.
  5. The fetal stage is a crucial period for the development of the immune system, sensory organs, and other vital functions.

Review Questions

  • Describe the key developmental milestones that occur during the fetal stage.
    • During the fetal stage, the fetus undergoes rapid growth and development. The brain, organs, and limbs develop at an accelerated pace, and the fetus becomes increasingly responsive to external stimuli, such as sound and touch, as the nervous system matures. Fetal movement, including kicking and hiccups, becomes more pronounced, and the placenta plays a critical role in providing the fetus with oxygen, nutrients, and removing waste products. The fetal stage is also a crucial period for the development of the immune system and sensory organs.
  • Explain the importance of the placenta during the fetal stage.
    • The placenta is a vital organ that develops during pregnancy and connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall. During the fetal stage, the placenta plays a critical role in the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products between the fetus and the mother. The placenta allows the fetus to receive the necessary resources for growth and development, while also removing waste products. Additionally, the placenta produces hormones that support the pregnancy and prepare the mother's body for childbirth. The proper functioning of the placenta is essential for the health and well-being of the fetus during the fetal stage.
  • Analyze how the fetal stage differs from the earlier embryonic stage of prenatal development.
    • The fetal stage, which spans from the 9th week of pregnancy until birth, is the final and most critical period of prenatal development, in contrast to the earlier embryonic stage. While the embryonic stage is focused on the formation of basic body structures and organs, the fetal stage is characterized by rapid growth and maturation of the fetus. During the fetal stage, the fetus undergoes significant development of the brain, organs, and limbs, and becomes increasingly responsive to external stimuli. Additionally, the placenta plays a crucial role in the fetal stage, providing the fetus with essential resources for growth and development, which was not as prominent in the earlier embryonic stage. The distinct differences between these two stages highlight the complex and dynamic nature of prenatal development.