This document discusses human development from fertilization through the first trimester. It describes the processes of fertilization, cleavage, blastocyst formation, implantation, and placentation. During the first trimester (weeks 1-12), the embryo develops the basic organ plan and tissues through embryogenesis, making it most susceptible to damage or disruption. Key stages include fertilization of the egg by sperm, mitotic cell division (cleavage), formation of the blastocyst from the morula, embedding (implantation) in the uterine lining, and development of the placenta and extraembryonic membranes.