Which stage follows the germinal stage in human development?

The germinal stage is the first two weeks of human development, beginning at conception when the fertilized egg, or zygote, starts dividing and eventually implants in the uterine wall. Following this initial phase, the next stage in human development is the embryonic stage.

During the embryonic stage, which lasts from the end of the germinal stage until about the eighth week of gestation, significant development occurs. This includes the formation of vital organs, structures, and systems. It is during this period that the basic foundations of the organism's body are established, making it a critical time for growth and development.

The fetal stage, which occurs after the embryonic stage, focuses on the further development of organs and systems that were established previously, and spans from about the ninth week until birth. The neonatal and postnatal stages deal with the periods following birth, focusing on development and adjustment outside the womb, which are not directly sequential to the germinal stage. Therefore, the embryonic stage is the correct response as it immediately follows the germinal stage in the sequence of human development.