What phase follows the zygote stage in human development?

In human development, after the zygote stage, the next phase is known as the morula. The zygote is the fertilized egg that undergoes several divisions through the process known as cleavage. As the zygote divides, it forms a solid ball of cells called the morula, which typically consists of 16 to 64 cells.

Following the morula stage, the cells continue to divide and differentiate, eventually forming a hollow ball of cells known as the blastocyst. The blastocyst comprises an inner cell mass that will develop into the embryo, and an outer layer of cells known as the trophoblast, which contributes to the formation of the placenta.

This sequential order is crucial for proper human development, as each stage represents a significant step in the formation of structures needed for a viable pregnancy. Understanding the progression from zygote to morula helps highlight the complexity and organization inherent in the early stages of human development.