Prenatal Form and Function – The Making of an Earth Suit
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Unit 11: 10 to 11 Weeks
Complex Facial Expressions |
Lips and Nose Complete |
Intestines Absorbs Glucose and Water |
Genitalia Distinguished
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![Facial features completely formed 11 weeks 3 days fetus, Fetal Facial Expressions, Lips and Nose Complete, Fetus](images/prenatal_article/11wks-facialfeatures.jpg)
Figure 11.1 - Facial Features Completely Formed
The Biology of Prenatal Development DVD
Copyright © 2006 EHD, Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2006 EHD, Inc. All rights reserved.
By 11 weeks, the nose and lips are completely formed.1 The fetus can now produce complex facial expressions and, according to one group of researchers, is capable of smiling.2 As with every other body part, facial appearance will change at each stage of the life cycle. The fetus’ intestine begins to absorb glucose and water from swallowed amniotic fluid.3
Though gender is determined at fertilization, genitalia now distinguish male from female.4
![children, family](images/prenatal_article/expression-collage.jpg)
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1 | Timor-Tritsch et al., 1990. 291. |
2 | Valman and Pearson, 1980. 234. |
3 | Cunningham FG et al., 2001. 149; Koldovský et al., 1965. 186. |
4 | Moore et al., 2000. 184; O'Rahilly and Müller, 2001. 336; Wilson, 1926. 29. |