Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

The embryonic period lasts for approximately how many weeks after implantation?

1. 10

2. 6

3. 30

4. 2

The correct answer is: 6

The embryonic period refers to a critical stage of development that starts from the time of implantation and lasts for a specific duration. It is characterized by significant growth and differentiation of the embryo, during which foundational structures and systems begin to form. This period typically lasts about six weeks after implantation. During this time, vital processes such as organogenesis occur, meaning that the major organs and body systems are developed from the embryonic layers. This includes the formation of the heart, brain, and other essential components of the developing organism. Understanding these timeframes is crucial in developmental psychology and related fields, as the embryonic period is critical for successful development and the potential for birth defects later on. The other options indicate timeframes that do not align with the established understanding of human development. Ten weeks would include parts of both the embryonic and fetal periods, 30 weeks exceeds the entire term, and two weeks is too short to encompass the significant changes that occur during the embryonic period. Thus, the choice of six weeks accurately reflects this important phase in prenatal development.