Stages of Conception

The biology of conception is a fascinating aspect of Human Anatomy. Paper Masters helps students write research papers on the stages of conception and outlines each stage within the research paper. Have Paper Masters write your paper or use what you see here to get you started with your project.

There are 3 main steps in the process of conception. These steps are:

• Ovulation
• Fertilization
• Implantation

Ovulation occurs once a month. During the ovulation s process several immature eggs develop into follicles. These follicles are fluid-filled sacs. When the follicle is mature, the follicle breaks and it releases an egg. At this point, hormones are released to help prepare the body for a possible pregnancy. This releasing of an egg is called ovulation. The egg moves to the fallopian tube and awaits fertilization. In order for pregnancy to occur, the egg must be fertilized within twenty-four hours. The ovulation process usually takes place about two weeks before a woman gets her menstrual period. If an egg is not fertilized, than the egg will break apart and be shed from the body during the woman's next menstrual period.

Stage 2: Fertilization

Fertilization occurs when sperm and an egg meet. The sperm must penetrate the egg in order for the egg to be fertilized. Only one sperm is able to enter an egg. Once the egg has been penetrated, the outside of the egg changes and it prevents other sperm from entering the egg. If the sperm is carrying the X-chromosome than the baby will be a girl. If the sperm is carrying the Y-chromosome than the baby will be a boy. The sex of the baby is determined as soon as the sperm enters the egg.

Stage 3: Fertilization

The third and final step is fertilization. During this step, the egg begins to divide. This usually happens within the first twenty-four hours. The egg will remain in the fallopian tube for several days. Then it will leave the fallopian tube and move into the uterus. The egg will go through some changes and then attaches itself to the wall of the uterus where it will stay for most of the pregnancy.