The nurse is explaining the process of cell division during the preembryonic period to a group of nursing students. Which statement best describes the characteristics of the morula?
A) Fertilized ovum before mitosis begins
B) Double layer of cells that becomes the placenta
C) Flattened, disk-shaped layer of cells within a fluid-filled sphere
D) Solid ball composed of the first cells formed after fertilization

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The morula is so named because it resembles a mulberry. It is a solid ball of 12 to 16 cells that develops after fertilization. The fertilized ovum is called the zygote. The placenta is formed from two layers of cells-the trophoblast, which is the other portion of the fertilized ovum, and the decidua, which is the portion of the uterus where implantation occurs. The flattened, disk-shaped layer of cells is the embryonic disk; it will develop into the body.

The Nurse Is Explaining the Process of Cell Division During