Conception and Fetal Development NCLEX Questions Related

Review Conception and Fetal Development NCLEX Questions related questions and content

Approximately 3 days after fertilization, what is the term for the developing zygote, which is a 16-cell mass?

  • A. Trophoblast
  • B. Morula
  • C. Blastocyst
  • D. Embryoblast
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Morula. At approximately 3 days post-fertilization, the zygote undergoes multiple cell divisions, forming a 16-cell mass known as a morula. This stage precedes the formation of a blastocyst, which occurs around day 5. The trophoblast refers to the outer layer of cells in the blastocyst responsible for implantation, while the embryoblast is the inner cell mass that gives rise to the embryo. Therefore, the morula stage accurately represents the 16-cell mass at this specific developmental timeline.