Blastocyst
A blastocyst is an early stage of human development that occurs about five to six days after fertilization. It consists of a hollow ball of cells, with an inner cell mass that will eventually become the embryo, while the outer layer will form the placenta. The blastocyst stage is crucial for implantation into the uterus, allowing the embryo to grow and develop further. This stage is significant in reproductive biology and is a key focus in processes like in vitro fertilization. Understanding blastocysts helps us learn more about early human development and potential reproductive health issues.
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A blastocyst is an early stage of development in a human embryo. It forms about five to six days after fertilization, when the fertilized egg divides into a hollow sphere of cells. This structure consists of an outer layer that will become part of the placenta and an inner cell mass that will develop into the fetus. The blastocyst is crucial for implantation in the uterus, marking the beginning of pregnancy. Understanding this stage helps in fields like reproductive health and developmental biology.