Which period begins after the embryonic period and lasts until the end of pregnancy?

The correct answer is that the period which begins after the embryonic period and lasts until the end of pregnancy is indeed the fetal period. During this phase, which is crucial for fetal development, significant growth and maturation occur. The fetal period starts at approximately the ninth week of pregnancy, marking the transition from the embryonic stage, which focuses on the formation of major body systems and structures.

In the fetal period, the developing organism, referred to as a fetus, undergoes further development, including the refinement of body structures, the growth of organs, and the accumulation of fat. This stage is marked by increased viability and substantial physiological changes that prepare the fetus for birth.

Understanding this development framework is key in human growth and development studies as it highlights the important milestones that take place in prenatal health and the implications for both the fetus and the birthing process.