Question 1

What does the third through the eighth weeks of a pregnancy mark?

Accepted Answer

The third through the eighth weeks of pregnancy mark the embryonic period, during which the major organs and structures of the organism develop.

Question 2

What are the typical characteristics of babies born with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder ?

Accepted Answer

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is characterized by a range of effects including a small head, unusual facial features, intellectual disabilities, and hyperactivity. These symptoms are due to prenatal alcohol exposure.

Question 3

Beth has just had an ultrasound and is devastated to learn that although the placental membranes have grown, the embryonic disk has not.Given what you know about the survival rate of zygotes, although Beth is understandably distressed, should she be surprised?

Accepted Answer

The survival rate of zygotes is indeed low, with about 25 percent not progressing past the early stages of development. This is a natural part of human reproduction, where many zygotes do not develop into embryos or fetuses, often due to genetic abnormalities or other factors.

Question 4

Which of the following statements regarding HIV is accurate?

Accepted Answer

HIV can be transmitted from an infected mother to her infant during pregnancy, childbirth, or through breastfeeding. This is why interventions are important to prevent mother-to-child transmission.

Question 5

Of the following, which part of the body is susceptible to anytime malformations?

Accepted Answer

The central nervous system is susceptible to malformations at any time due to its continuous development and complexity.

Question 6

Suppose that Baby J received both an X and a Y chromosome at the time of conception.Based on this information, what can you conclude regarding the development of Baby J's reproductive system during the third month of the pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

The presence of both an X and a Y chromosome typically leads to the development of a male reproductive system, with the Y chromosome activating the SRY gene, which triggers the secretion of testosterone and the development of male reproductive structures.

Question 7

What is the name of the point in prenatal development during which the zygote/embryo/fetus is most susceptible to environmental influences?

Accepted Answer

The sensitive period refers to a specific time in prenatal development when the developing organism is most susceptible to the effects of external factors, such as environmental toxins or nutritional deficiencies. During this time, the basic structures of the body are forming, and interference can lead to significant developmental issues.

Question 8

What is the term for the white, cheesy substance that appears during the fetal period?

Accepted Answer

Vernix, or more fully vernix caseosa, is the white, cheesy substance that covers and protects the skin of the fetus and is most noticeable at birth.

Question 9

In comparison to women who are between the ages of 18 and 35 when they conceive, what characterizes the environmental risks for the pregnancy of women who conceive before the age of 16?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In comparison to women who are between...

Question 10

What is a teratogen?

Accepted Answer

Teratogens are environmental agents, such as drugs, chemicals, or viruses, that can cause harm to the developing embryo or fetus, leading to birth defects or other problems.

Question 11

Grace is a heavy drinker who has just discovered that she is four weeks pregnant.What is good advice for Grace regarding her drinking and the health of her unborn child?

Accepted Answer

Quitting drinking completely is the best advice for Grace to ensure the health of her unborn child. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), which can cause a range of physical, behavioral, and learning problems in the child. There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy, so the safest choice is to abstain entirely.

Question 12

What is the fetal period in a pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

The fetal period refers to the stage of development that begins in the ninth week of pregnancy and continues until birth. This is when the developing baby is called a fetus, and significant growth and maturation of the organs and body systems occur.

Question 13

During the embryonic period the genital ridge begins to differentiate into the male testes or the female ovaries.What does this differentiation require?

Accepted Answer

The differentiation of the genital ridge into male testes or female ovaries during the embryonic period is primarily determined by the presence or absence of a Y chromosome. The SRY gene on the Y chromosome plays a crucial role in initiating the development of male characteristics.

Question 14

What is one problem in understanding fetal alcohol spectrum disorder?

Accepted Answer

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) encompasses a range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. The symptoms and manifestations of FASD can vary greatly, overlapping with or mimicking those of other disorders, making it challenging to accurately identify and differentiate children with FASD from those with other conditions.

Question 15

What is/are the primary change(s) that occur(s) during the third trimester of pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

During the third trimester of pregnancy, the primary changes include significant increases in the fetus's weight and height. This period is characterized by rapid growth and further development of already formed structures rather than the addition of new organ systems or the initial differentiation of sense organs.

Question 16

Which of the following best characterizes a baby born at 28 weeks post-conception?

Accepted Answer

Babies born at 28 weeks post-conception have reached the age of viability, meaning they can survive outside the womb, but their lung function is often not fully developed, which can lead to breathing difficulties. Other organs, including the heart, are typically developed enough to function, albeit with medical support.

Question 17

What is the embryonic period in a pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

The embryonic period in a pregnancy is from the third through the eighth week, during which time the major organs and structures of the organism begin to develop.

Question 18

Of the following, which part of the body is vulnerable to teratogens only during early pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Of the following, which part of the...

Question 19

Which of the following statements is the worst advice for pregnant women regarding the use of vitamin and mineral supplements?

Accepted Answer

Taking large doses of vitamins and minerals can be harmful and is not recommended without medical supervision. Adequate, not excessive, amounts are important for health.

Question 20

When does the period of the zygote take place during prenatal development?

Accepted Answer

The period of the zygote in prenatal development occurs between the conception of the new zygote and its implantation in the uterus. This stage encompasses the initial formation of the zygote through fertilization and its journey down the fallopian tube towards the uterus for implantation.

Quiz 4: Prenatal Development