What is the process called when the zygote attaches to the uterine wall?

The process when the zygote attaches to the uterine wall is called implantation. This event occurs after fertilization, where the sperm successfully unites with the egg to form a zygote. Following fertilization, the zygote starts to divide and develop as it travels through the fallopian tube toward the uterus.

Once it reaches the uterus, the developing structure, now called a blastocyst, embeds itself into the thickened lining of the uterus. This attachment is crucial for the establishment of pregnancy, as it allows the developing embryo to receive nutrients and oxygen from the mother's blood supply through the placenta, which forms as a result of this implantation process.

Fertilization refers specifically to the union of the sperm and egg. Gestation describes the period of development during pregnancy, while embryogenesis concerns the development of the embryo itself after implantation. Understanding these definitions helps clarify the distinction between each stage involved in human reproduction.