Emily and her husband are thrilled as they peer into Emily's uterus by means of an ultrasound. The physician reports that the pregnancy appears normal and that their baby's fingers, toes, heart, and circulatory system are developing as expected. The couple is surprised to learn that the baby is only 4 cm long. Given this information, the current stage of prenatal development is the:
A) fetal stage.
B) stage of the zygote.
C) germinal stage.
D) embryonic stage.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

At 4 cm long, the fetus is still in the embryonic stage, which lasts from conception until the end of the eighth week of pregnancy. During this stage, major organs and body systems develop. The fetal stage, which follows the embryonic stage, is characterized by further growth and refinement of existing structures. The germinal stage occurs during the first two weeks after conception, when the egg is fertilized and the zygote begins to divide.

Emily and Her Husband Are Thrilled as They Peer into Emily's