Category: Fetal development

During fetal development, a crucial period occurs between weeks 6 and 12 of gestation, where the roof of the mouth is formed. This process includes what is the closure of the secondary palate, a complex and essential step that separates the oral and nasal cavities, a failure of which can lead to significant health issues.

As an anatomical vestige of a fetus's crucial developmental pathway, the ligamentum venosum is a fibrous cord located in the liver. This seemingly minor structure is a remnant of the ductus venosus, a fetal vessel that shunted oxygenated blood away from the liver and directly to the heart, which is a vital part of the prenatal circulatory system. Post-birth, the vessel closes and becomes this fibrous ligament, though its patency can signify serious congenital and liver conditions.

Remarkably, a human embryo's heart begins to beat as early as three weeks after conception, making it the first functional organ to develop. This rapid formation answers the crucial question: which comes first, lungs or heart?

According to maternal health experts, a pregnant person's bump can change shape from morning to evening, or even day to day, for completely normal reasons like digestion or a full bladder. Understanding why has my bump changed shape is key to easing anxieties during pregnancy.

According to the CDC, approximately 3% of babies in the U.S. are born with a birth defect, some of which are deformations. A medical deformation of bodies refers to an abnormal form or position of a body part caused by mechanical forces acting on a previously normally developing structure, unlike conditions caused by intrinsic developmental errors.

A little-known fact is that the belly button is our very first scar, a permanent reminder of our connection to our mothers. This seemingly simple dimple holds the answer to the question: **Why do we have a belly button?**

The complete absence of a heart at birth is a medical condition known as acardia, and it is a rare phenomenon primarily associated with identical twin pregnancies, rather than a viable single birth. Independent survival without a functioning heart is not possible.

While your belly button is the remnant of your umbilical cord, the structures inside are a fascinating mix of former blood vessels and ducts. Understanding what is behind the belly button reveals the journey from fetal development to adulthood, explaining why it's more than just a surface scar.