This document discusses hereditary influences on human growth and development. It begins by explaining that hereditary material is contained within the 46 chromosomes present in a human zygote, which is formed when an ovum released by a woman's ovary is fertilized by a man's sperm. The zygote then begins replicating through mitosis, with each new cell containing the same 46 chromosomes and genetic material as the original cell. These cells differentiate and develop into the various muscles, bones, organs and other bodily structures. The document also discusses dominant and recessive traits, sources of congenital defects, several common sex chromosome abnormalities, and some major recessive hereditary diseases.