A fetus is a developing human from the end of the embryonic period until birth.
In human development, the embryonic period extends through approximately the first eight weeks after fertilization. From approximately the ninth week after fertilization until birth, the developing human is generally described as a fetus.
During the fetal period, organs and body structures that began developing during the embryonic period continue to grow, mature, and become functionally specialized.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
- Embryo: the developing human during the earlier embryonic period.
- Newborn: a baby after birth.
SEE ALSO