What sequence follows fertilization leading to somite formation in embryonic development?

The correct sequence that follows fertilization leading to the formation of somites in embryonic development involves cleavage, followed by gastrulation, and ultimately results in processes that lead to neural tube formation.

Fertilization begins the developmental process, and once the zygote is formed, cleavage occurs. This stage involves rapid cell division without significant growth, leading to the formation of a multicellular structure known as a morula. Following cleavage, the process of blastulation takes place, where the morula develops into a blastocyst, which subsequently implants into the uterine wall.

From blastulation, the next key phase is gastrulation. During gastrulation, the embryo reorganizes to establish the three germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. The mesoderm is specifically crucial as it gives rise to somites, segments of mesoderm that will develop into the vertebral column, muscle, and skin.

After gastrulation, neurulation occurs, which involves the formation of the neural tube from the ectoderm. This neural tube eventually develops into the central nervous system. Therefore, the complete trajectory from fertilization through cleavage, then gastrulation, and finally leading toward processes that result in neural tube formation aligns correctly