The human foetus at about 12th week of development,showing the head & upper limbs & the umbilical cord which connects the foetus (at the navel) to the placenta,a large organ embedded in the uterine wall that interfaces the foetal & maternal circulations,exchanging nourishment & waste products. Growth at this time is rapid: the head is still relatively large with a bulging forehead,the outer ear is formed,as are the nose & mouth; the eyes have migrated from the sides of the head,although the eyelids have not yet fully developed. Forearms,wrists,hands & fingers are well differentiated,developing at a faster rate than the lower limbs |