The diagram given below is that of a developing human foetus. Study the diagram and then answer the questions that follow: The diagram given below is that of a developing human foetus. Study the diagram and then answer the questions that follow:
Define the term ‘Gestation’. What is the normal gestational period of the developing human embryo?
Topic: Gestation
Answer
GESTATION is the full term of the development of the embryo inside the uterus of the mother — the period between implantation and birth.
In humans it lasts about 280 DAYS (40 weeks or nine months).
Both parts must be answered: the DEFINITION and the FIGURE. Giving two forms of the figure (280 days, or nine months) makes the answer safe.
Note the stages WITHIN gestation, since papers ask for the distinction: the developing organism is called an EMBRYO for the first eight weeks, while the organs are forming, and a FOETUS thereafter, once the organs are recognisable.
The birth itself is PARTURITION, brought about by OXYTOCIN from the posterior pituitary causing the uterine muscles to contract.