What is the correct sequence of prenatal stages of development?

What is the correct sequence of prenatal stages of development?

• A. Germinal, embryonic, fetal
• B. Embryonic, germinal, fetal
• C. Germinal, embryo, fetus
• D. Fetal, embryonic, germinal

Answer: (C)

Prenatal development unfolds from formation and implantation to organ formation and then to growth and refinement. The germinal stage covers fertilization through implantation, when the zygote divides rapidly and becomes a blastocyst that implants in the uterine lining. Next comes the embryonic stage, during which the major organ systems begin to form, a critical period of organogenesis. Finally, the fetal stage is when growth speeds up and the already formed organs mature and become functional in preparation for birth. This order—germinal first, then embryonic, then fetal—matches how development progresses from initial establishment to structural formation to growth and maturation.

Prenatal development unfolds from formation and implantation to organ formation and then to growth and refinement. The germinal stage covers fertilization through implantation, when the zygote divides rapidly and becomes a blastocyst that implants in the uterine lining. Next comes the embryonic stage, during which the major organ systems begin to form, a critical period of organogenesis. Finally, the fetal stage is when growth speeds up and the already formed organs mature and become functional in preparation for birth. This order—germinal first, then embryonic, then fetal—matches how development progresses from initial establishment to structural formation to growth and maturation.