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Period: to
First Trimester
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GIT Track Formed Weeks 2-3
Gastrointestinal tract is formed from the endoderm cells. -
Three Distinct Gut Portions Formed
Fore-, mid-, and hind-gut The larger mid-gut is formed by the embryo folding and pinching off an area of the yolk sac. -
Buds for all 20 Teeth Emerge
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Digestive System Activity is Evident
Stomach secretes fluid, and the liver pours bile in to the intestine. -
Small Intestine Development
Small intestines become lined with villi and begin absorbing water and glucose. -
Period: to
Second Trimester
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Period: to
Liver, Stomach, and Intestines are Developing Rapidly
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Meconium is Formed (Weeks 13-16)
Feces of the fetus formed in intestinal tract; kept in the fetus's bowel until after birth. -
Large Intestine and Colon Development
The colon becomes lined with villi; digestive enzymes are apparent now. -
Period: to
Third Trimester
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Intstine Activity (6-7 months, 25 weeks)
The lining of the intestine contains cell types identical to adult cell types -
Amniotic Fluid Intake (Month 9, Week 37)
The fetus takes in small amounts (15oz/day) of amniotic fluid containing sugar to give the digestive system practice in breaking down nutrients. The fetus still receives most of its nutrients through the umbilical and placenta however.
