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The fetus obtains oxygen and nutrients from the mother through the placenta and the umbilical cord. [25] Blood from the placenta is carried to the fetus by the umbilical vein. About half of this enters the fetal ductus venosus and is carried to the inferior vena cava, while the other half enters the liver proper from the inferior border of the ...
At the beginning of the ninth week, the embryo is termed a fetus (spelled "foetus" in British English). In comparison to the embryo, the fetus has more recognizable external features and a more complete set of developing organs. Human embryology is the study of this development during the first eight weeks after fertilization.
The fetus reaches a length of 20 cm (8 in). Lanugo covers the entire body. Eyebrows and eyelashes appear. Nails appear on fingers and toes. The fetus is more active with increased muscle development. "Quickening" usually occurs (the mother and others can feel the fetus moving). The fetal heartbeat can be heard with a stethoscope.
Prenatal development (from Latin natalis 'relating to birth') involves the development of the embryo and of the fetus during a viviparous animal's gestation.Prenatal development starts with fertilization, in the germinal stage of embryonic development, and continues in fetal development until birth.
A newly developing human is typically referred to as an embryo until the ninth week after conception, when it is then referred to as a fetus. In other multicellular organisms, the word "embryo" can be used more broadly to any early developmental or life cycle stage prior to birth or hatching.
When developed enough to survive outside the womb, the cervix dilates and contractions of the uterus propel the fetus through the birth canal, which is the vagina. The ova, which are the female sex cells, are much larger than the sperm and are normally formed within the ovaries of the fetus before its birth.
According to a study conducted by Whitcome, et al., lumbar lordosis can increase from an angle of 32 degrees at 0% fetal mass (i.e. non-pregnant women or very early in pregnancy) to 50 degrees at 100% fetal mass (very late in pregnancy). Postpartum, the angle of the lordosis declines and can reach the angle prior to pregnancy.
Fetal movement refers to motion of a fetus caused by its own muscle activity. Locomotor activity begins during the late embryological stage and changes in nature throughout development . Muscles begin to move as soon as they are innervated .