Developing a Foetus

• Biology
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Developing a Foetus

What do you already know about pregnancy?

How long do you think gestation is in these animals?

Research Task: Use the resources provided to fill in the information needed in the table.

The time between the gametes joining and birth of a baby is called...

1. Fertilisation
2. Implantation
3. Gestation
4. Adolescence

An elephant's gestation period is much longer than a human's. Why do you think that is?

How does the foetus get everything it needs to grow during gestation?

This structure provides the foetus with oxygen and nutrients from the mother's blood.

1. Placenta
2. Uterus
3. Amniotic fluid
4. Umbilical cord

This structure protects the foetus from bumps.

1. Placenta
2. Uterus
3. Amniotic fluid
4. Umbilical cord

This structure removes carbon dioxide and provides a barrier to infection.

1. Placenta
2. Uterus
3. Amniotic fluid
4. Umbilical cord

This structure connects the placenta to the foetus.

1. Placenta
2. Uterus
3. Amniotic fluid
4. Umbilical cord

Label the diagram of the foetus.

Baby

Cervix

Uterus lining

Placenta

Umbilical cord

Vagina

Amniotic fluid

Match the structure to its function (job).

Carries oxygen, food and waste between the mother and foetus.

Takes oxygen and food from the mother's blood and puts waste into the mother's blood.

Protects the foetus.

Placenta

Amniotic fluid

Umbilical cord

If the placenta was not attached properly between the mother and baby, what effects might this have?

During birth the ................... relaxes.

1. Cervix
2. Uterus

During birth the ................... contracts.

1. Cervix
2. Uterus