The diagram given below is that of a developing human foetus. Answer the questions that follow: The diagram given below is that of a developing human foetus. Answer the questions that follow:
Define the term ‘Gestation’. What is the normal gestational period of the developing embryo?
Topic: Gestation
Answer
GESTATION is the period during which the fertilised ovum develops into a fully formed baby inside the uterus of the mother — that is, the period of pregnancy.
The normal gestational period in humans is about 280 DAYS (nine months or forty weeks) from the last menstrual period.
Both parts must be answered: the definition AND the figure.
The figure is usually given as 280 days, nine months, or forty weeks — any of these is acceptable, and giving two of them makes the answer safe.
Note the stages within it: 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.