Question

What is it called when an embryo attaches to the line of the uterus?

Answer 1

Implantation:

1. The implantation is the very early stage of pregnancy at which the embryo adheres to the inner wall of the uterus (endometrium).
2. It takes place in the early stages, a week after fertilization.
3. The progesterone released from the ruptured Graafian follicle causes a thickening of the endometrium.
4. The embryo obtains all the necessary nutrients from this lining of the uterus until the formation of the placenta.

Events of Implantation:

1. The fusion of male and female gametes results in the formation of zygote which undergoes mitotic divisions called cleavage to form daughter cells called blastomeres.
2. The embryo with 8-16 blastomeres is called morula. Morula continues to divide and transforms into blastocyst.
3. The blastocyst gets attached to the endometrium. After attachment, the uterine cells divide rapidly and cover the blastocyst.
4. As a result, the blastocyst gets embedded in the endometrium of the uterus. This process is called implantation.