Human Growth and Development Final Exam Related

Review Human Growth and Development Final Exam related questions and content

The most rapid prenatal changes take place in the period of the __________.

  • A. zygote
  • B. blastocyst
  • C. embryo
  • D. fetus
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: embryo. The most rapid prenatal changes occur during the embryo stage, which spans from approximately 2 to 8 weeks after conception. This period is crucial as major organs and systems of the body develop rapidly, laying the foundation for future growth and development. The zygote stage is the initial single-celled entity formed by the union of sperm and egg, while the blastocyst stage involves the cluster of cells resulting from the zygote dividing and growing. The fetus stage follows the embryo stage and focuses on refining and growing existing structures rather than rapid development. Therefore, the embryo stage is where the most significant and rapid changes take place in prenatal development.