Topic 20 Human Development.  From conception to Death

 

Dictionary of Terms

 

Quiz

 

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Objectives

1. List the stages of development and describes what happens during each.

2. Where is the egg fertilized and where does it eventually end up?

3. What is organogenesis?

4. How many sperm are deposited in the vagina?  How many sperm fertilize the egg.

5. What is implantation?

6. What role does the placenta play in development?

7. Describe an embryo at the end of eight weeks?

8. What happens during the 2nt trimester?

9. Describe the process of birth and lactation?

10. How does the maternal lifestyle affect development?

11. What happens to the body as it ages?

12. What are the causes of aging?

13.   What happens to the body system as it ages?

 

1.      The birth of a child

  1. An incredible continuum of events gradually transforms the single fertilized egg into a multicellular embryo.
  2. By the third week of gestation, the precursors of the nervous system and circulatory system appear
  3. By the fifth week, the embryo is recognizable as human and will become more so.

 

2.       Stages of Development:

  1. Gamete formation leads to the production of mature eggs or sperm in the parents.

1)       Fertilization begins when a sperm penetrates an egg and is completed when the sperm nucleus fuses with the egg nucleus, resulting in formation of the zygote.

2)       Cleavage (repeated mitotic divisions) convert the zygote to a ball of cells: cell numbers increase but not individual cell size.

B.      Gastrulation: Primary Tissues Form

1)       Endoderm is the inner layer: it gives rise to the lining of the gut and lungs and organs derived from it.

2)       Mesoderm is the middle layer: muscle, organs of circulation, reproduction, excretion, and skeleton are derived form it.

3)       Ectoderm is the outer layer: it gives rise to the nervous system and the outer layers of the integument.

C.      Organogenesis, Growth , and Tissue Specialization

1)       Organogenesis begins as germ layers subdivide into populations of cells destined to become organs and tissues that are unique in structure and function.

2)       During the first several weeks of development two key processes are at work:

a)       In cell differentiation, even though cells have the same number and kind of genes, controls on the expression of those genes, makes possible their expression in the form of structures, products, and functions found in some cells but not in other cells.

3) Morphogenesis is the organization of differentiated cells into tissues and organs by means of localized cell division, movements of tissues, folding, and the like.

 

3. Early events in Development:

A.      Fertilization and cleavage

1)       If the 150 million to 350 million sperm deposited in the vagina during coitus, only a few hundred ever reach the upper region of the oviduct where fertilization occurs.

a)      On the journey the acrosome of the sperm becomes structurally unstable in a process called capacitation

b)       Many sperm will bind to the zona pellucida of the egg

2)       Only one sperm will successfully enter the cytoplasm of the secondary oocyte because of changes in the egg’s membrane that prevents additional sperm entry.

a)       The arrival of that sperm inside stimulates the completion of meiosis II in the secondary oocyte, which yields a mature ovum.

b)       The sperm nucleus fuses with the egg nucleus to restore the diploid chromosome number of 46.

3)       Repeated mitotic divisions of the zygote produce a ball of many cells that are not necessarily larger but these cells differ in size, shape  and activity.

4)       Identical twins are the result of a separation of the two cells produced by the first cleavage: fraternal twins are not identical because the are the result of two separate fertilizations.

B.      Implantation

1)       During the first few days after fertilization, the zygote undergoes repeated cleavages as it travels down the oviduct.

2)       By the time the zygote reaches the uterus, it is a solid ball of cells (morula), which is transformed into a blastocyst, consisting of a surface layer of cells- the trophoblast- and an inner cell mass.

a)       Before the first week ends, the blastocyst contacts and adheres to the uterine lining (endometrium); the enzymes form the trophoblast cells digest the maternal tissue to allow implantation.

b)       The inner cell mass of the blastocyst is transformed into an embryonic disk, which will develop into the embryo proper within the next week: sometimes the implantation proceeds outside the uterus, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy.

c)       The implanted embryo releases HCG(human chorionic gonadotropin) which prods the corpus luteum to secrete estrogen and progesterone to maintain the uterine lining: the presence of HCG in the mother’s urine is the basis for home pregnancy tests.

 

4.       Extraembryonic Membranes:

  1. the inner cell mass becomes transformed into the embryonic disk, which will give rise to the embryo and the membranes around it.
  2. Membranes around the embryo.

1)       Several days after implantation the Extraembryonic membranes begin to form

2)       The membranes and their functions are:

a)       The yolk sac gives rise to the digestive tube and is a source of early blood cells

b)       The amnion is a fluid filled sac that keeps the embryo form drying out and acts as a shock absorber.

c)       The allantois gives rise to blood vessels that will become enclosed in the umbilical cord

d)       The chorion is a protective  membrane around the embryo, forms a portion of the placenta, and secretes HCG that maintains the uterine lining after implantation.

  1. The importance of the Placenta

1)       The placenta is a combination of endometrial tissue and embryonic chorion

a)       The maternal tissue consists of tissues high in arterioles and venules

b)       The embryo’s chorion extends into the maternal tissue as tiny chorionic villi

2)       Materials are exchanged from blood capillaries of mother to fetus, and vice versa, by diffusion: the maternal and fetal bloods do not mix!

 

5.  A closer look at the early embryo

  1. The first trimester is a time of rapid embryonic development

1)       Gastrulation results in the formation of the three germ layers and the primitive streak, which will give rise to the nervous system.

2)       By week three, sometimes- the beginnings of connective tissues, bones and muscles form: the heart begins to beat.

B.      Neurulation is the first stage in the development of the nervous system

1)       Ectodermal cells at the midline of the embryo elongate to form a neural plate

2)       Cells of the neural plate fold over and meet at the midline to form a neural tube which will eventually form the spinal cord and brain: an incomplete closure results in spina bifida.

 

6.    Emergence of distinctly human features

  1. By the end of the eighth week, the embryo has taken on distinctly human features
  2. Gonad development

3)       Gonad development begins by the second half of the first trimester

4)       An embryo with both an X and a Y chromosome will produce from the  embryonic testes male hormones that will influence further sex differentiation

5)       An XX embryo will become a female because of the absence of testosterone

6)       At the end of eight weeks of development, the embryo is designated a fetus.

C.      Miscarriage

1)       The spontaneous expulsion of the uterine contents occurs in about 20 percent of all conceptions, usually during the first trimester.

2)       More than half of all spontaneous abortions occur because of genetic disorders in the embryo/fetus

7.       Fetal Development

  1. The second trimester encompasses months four, five and six

1)       The suckling reflex is evident: the fetus is about 4-5 inches long.

7)       Fuzzy hair (lanugo) and a cheesy coating (vernix caseosa) covers the body.

  1. From the seventh month to birth.

1)       The third trimester extends form month seven until birth: the earliest delivery in which survival on its own is possible is the middle of this trimester

2)       Babies born before seven months’ gestation often suffer form respiratory distress syndrome.

C.      Fetal Circulation

1)       Deoxygenated blood is carried from the fetus to the placenta in two umbilical arteries: Oxygenated blood is returned to the fetus via the umbilical vein.

2)       The lungs are partially bypassed due to the foramen ovale that allows blood to pass directly form the right atrium to the left atrium and the ductus arteriosus which shunts blood to the aorta.

3)       The ductus venosus allows blood to proceed directly form the placenta to the heart, bypassing the liver.

8.       From Birth Onward

  1. Birth

1)       Birth (parturition) usually takes place about 39 weeks after fertilization by a process of “labor “ involving stimuli from oxytocin and prostaglandin’s.

2)       Three stage of labor are recognized.

a)       Birth begins with contractions of the uterine muscles: the cervical canal dilates, and the amniotic sac ruptures

b)       The fetus is forcefully expelled accompanied by fluid and blood

c)       The umbilical cord is severed: the afterbirth is expelled.

B.      Lactation

1)       The mammary glands first produce a special fluid (colostrum) for the newborn: then under the influence of prolactin, they produce milk.

2)       Suckling by the baby stimulates the pituitary to release oxytocin, which in turn forces milk into the ducts of the breast tissue.

3)       For a nutrient breakdown of  human mile see http://classes.aces.uiuc.edu/AnSci308/HumanLact.html

9.       How maternal Lifestyle Affects Early Development

  1. Maternal Nutrition

1.       maternal diet, especially vitamins and minerals, is important to the proper development of the fetal tissues.

2.       Severe restrictions of the maternal diet can result in underweight babies.

B.      Risk of infections

1)       Risk of infections in the fetus can be minimized by antibodies that cross over into the fetal blood.

2)       However, viral diseases in the mother (such as German measles) can cause fetal malformations.

C.      Prescription drugs, Illegal Drugs, and Alcohol

1)       Thalidomide can cause limb deformities: retinoic acid increases the risk of facial and cranial deformities: tetracycline causes yellowed teeth, and streptomycin causes hearing problems.

2)       Cocaine disrupts the function of the nervous system of both fetus and mother

3)       Alcohol can cross the placenta and cause many effects collectively known as fetal alcohol syndrome

D.      Effects of cigarette smoke

1)       Cigarette smoking can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature delivery.

2)       The critical period appears to be the last half of pregnancy.

10.   Summary of Developmental Stages

  1. Birth to adulthood

1.       The stages of postnatal development are: neonate (first two weeks)>> infant (two weeks to 15 months)>> child (to 12 years)>> pubescent (individual at puberty)>> adolescent (form puberty to 3-4 years later)>> adult>>>old age

2.       Certain of these stages are characterized by more noticeable changes such as the growth spurts and reproductive changes of puberty.

B.      Adult Life

1.       Aging (senescence) is the progressive cellular and bodily deterioration built into the life cycle of all living things.

a)       Beginning around 30 there is a gradual decline in bone and muscle mass, increased shin wrinkling, and more fat deposition.

b)       Metabolic rates decline, reflexes become slower, and reduced collagen contents make tissues all over the body less elastic.

2.       The causes of aging are not well understood.

a)       While the lifespan in the US has increased in recent years so has the incidence of many chronic diseases associated with aging.

i)                     diabetes

ii)                   heart disease  (at a cost of 330 billion in 2000)

iii)                  parkinsons

b)       Many of the current drugs that are being researched have something to do with these problems.

c)       The telomers of chromosomes become shorter.

d)       Some research has shown that knockouts in this gene will increase the lifespan of worms.

11.   The body as it ages.

  1. What are some of the signs of aging?

1)       There is a gradual loss of vitality.

2)       The skin begins to noticeably wrinkle and sag: body fat accumulates: injuries are more frequent

3)       In the connective tissues more crosslinks form in the collagen making it less pliable.

  1. What causes Aging? While no one theory provides all the answers it does show that we are making progress.

1)       Mitochondrial disfunction

2)       Free radicals of oxygen could cause damage to proteins and  mitochondrial DNA

3)       There may be a decline in the ability of cells to repair DNA

4)       There may be gradual loss in the ability of cells to divide and reproduce.

5)       For some reason the telomers of the chromosomes become shorter

  1. Slowing the aging process

1)       is has been shown in studies of mice for over 70 years that restricting calories will increase the lifespan significantly

iv)                   

12.   Aging of skin, muscle, the skeleton, and internal transport systems

  1. Skin Muscles and Skeleton

1)       Changes in the skin include: slower replacement of epidermis, elastic fibers replaced with more rigid collagen, fewer oil and sweat glands produce drier skin, and hair loses its pigment.

2)       Changes in muscle include: loss of mass and strength: muscle replacement by fat

3)       Changes in the skeleton include: bones become weaker, more porous and brittle: loss of calcium deterioration of cartilage at joints.

B.      Aging in the Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems

1)       Changes in the respiratory system are mainly in the breakdown of the alveoli resulting in less respiratory surface.

2)       Changes in the cardiovascular system include: hear pumping capacity diminishes: blood vessels become stiffer: plaque deposits form in the vessels.

 

13.   Age-Related changes in selected other body Systems.

  1. The nervous system and Senses.

1.       Neurons are not replaced when they die.

2.       Neurofibrillary tangles of microtubules form in the neurons, and beta amyloid protein form between neurons: these are present in people with Alzheimer’s disease

B.      Reproductive systems and Sexuality

1)       Falling secretions of estrogen and progesterone trigger menopause in women whereas declining testosterone in men causes reduced fertility.

2)       Because the effects of declining hormones may be more troublesome in women, hormone replacement therapy may be recommended.

C.      Immunity, Nutrition, and the urinary System

1)       B and T cells in the immune system decline.

2)       Reduction in size of the thymus gland

3)       Fewer digestive enzymes are produced in the intestines

4)       Basal metabolic rate falls, resulting in weigh gain.

5)       Urinary incontinence may occur.

 

14. Studies on ways to prevent aging?

  1. Studies with Somatostatin (Growth Hormone) Indicate that this hormone when taken in advanced aged individuals induce the regrowth of the Thymus gland and possibly reinvigorate the immune system.  Link
  2.  

Possible Questions:

1.       What is death? How is death officially defined by doctors and coroners? Would their definition be different form that of a developmental biologist?

2.       The placenta supplements or completely replaces the activity of three organ systems in the fetuses? What are they?

 

 

Practice multiple choice questions

 

1)       Fertilization is the result

a)       of the union of two eggs and a sperm resulting in twins

b)       of the union of an egg and a sperm that produces two identical cells

c)       of the union of an egg and sperm that produces one diploid cell that will further divide to produce the zygote

d)       Is the division of a diploid cell into a gamete

e)       Occurs at the point that semen is deposited in the vagina

 

2)       Which of the following would be considered cell differentiation?

a)       the fertilization of an egg by the sperm

b)       the division of the fertilized egg into 8 cells

c)       when cells divide into populations of cells that will become organs and tissues

d)       when a cell moves to a new area in the body

e)       when a cell divides and becomes a new cell capable of a specific function

3)       The most critical step that follows fertilization is

a)       sloughing of the endometrium in the uterus

b)       implantation in the oviduct

c)       implantation in the uterine lining

d)       the development of arms and legs

e)       the binding of the egg to the vaginal wall

 

4)       during the fetal development which of the following events occur during the second trimester

a)       suckling reflex is evident

b)       the fetus is 4 to 5 inches long

c)       the fetus is covered by a fuzzy hair

d)       the fetus could survive on its own without the mother

e)       the lungs are fully functional and begin taking in air

5)       drugs may often have an effect on a fetus, which of the following are matched correctly.  The drug to the condition

a)       Thalidomide – missing limbs

b)       Tetracycline – yellowed teeth

c)       Streptomycin – hearing problems

d)       Alcohol – fetal alcohol syndrome

e)       Cigarette smoking – stillbirth and premature delivery

6)       After birth a person starts to age.  After middle age, the deleterious effects of aging are more pronounced than the positive effects.   Which of the statements below correctly describes some of the negative aspects of aging?                  (review)

A)      No effect occurs on the nervous system, because neurons a continuously replaced when they die.

B)      The levels of estrogen and progesterone fall triggering