During which prenatal development stage are nearly all basic organs formed?

The embryonic stage of prenatal development is when nearly all basic organs are formed. This period spans from the 2nd week to the end of the 8th week after conception. During this stage, the foundational structures of the body begin to take shape. Key processes such as organogenesis occur, during which essential organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys begin to develop.

The germinal stage occurs in the first two weeks after conception, which primarily involves the fertilization of the egg and cell division, but does not see the formation of organs. The fetal stage follows the embryonic stage, occurring from the 9th week until birth, and is characterized by maturation and growth of existing organs rather than their initial formation. The neonatal stage refers to the period after birth, focusing on adaptations to life outside the womb, which is beyond prenatal development. Therefore, the embryonic stage is distinctly crucial for the initial formation of all basic organs.