What is the first stage of human development according to the stages of fertilization?

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The germinal stage is indeed the correct answer because it marks the very beginning of human development. This stage occurs from the moment of conception to approximately two weeks later, encompassing the fertilization of the egg and the initial cell divisions that lead to the formation of a blastocyst. During this phase, the fertilized egg travels down the fallopian tube and begins to implant into the uterine lining.

This stage is crucial as it sets the foundation for subsequent development, where the basic cellular structures and genetic makeup are established, preparing for the following embryonic stage. In contrast, the fetal stage occurs later, after the embryonic stage, when the developing organism has taken on the characteristics of a recognizable human form. The neonatal stage pertains to the period immediately after birth, which is entirely separate from the initial development phases occurring in utero.

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