Reaction Paper-In the Womb.doc

Ericson D. Pendoy Psychology

PSYCH

101-General

IN THE WOMB (A Reaction Paper) When does life actually begin? This is often the question, that although medical experts have already answered and asserted, it is still to God the ultimate source where one can have the real answer. This question also, in deeper reflection, was answered by the documentary "In The Womb" by the Body Atlas. In the documentary, one can look into the perspective how a human being, so complex and branded with inter-relational body systems, develop from two single living cells, undergoing a thorough development and growth processes for approximately 36 weeks [9 months] in the womb of a woman. SYNTHESIS: Before conception occurs, millions of sperm cells released from the male reproductive system toward the female reproductive system traveling in the most perilous journey of death and exhaustion, until the single champion meets the egg. In the journey, sperm cells can be killed by the vaginal secretion of acidic substance, the survivors on the acid might not pass also on the wall of mucous membrane blocking the way of the cervix and the passers will be killed upon the union of the champion sperm with the egg, since the fertilized egg released a substance that acts like a bomb. When the single sperm cell unites with the ovum (egg), there conception or fertilization occurs. The zygote [fertilized egg] contains half of the chromosomes from the father and another half from that of the mother. Upon fertilization, the zygote, a single living cell, begins to divide and after a week, it has undergone several cell divisions of up to 100 to 150 cells. The mass of dividing cells attaches to the uterine wall at the end of two weeks. Remarkable developments such as the rate of cell differentiation increases, systems to support for the cells are form, and noticeable organs appear beginning with the heart, the first organ to develop and to pump blood, happen during the next 6 weeks. In the 3 rd week, the neural tube is forming which eventually will become the spinal cord. At the same week also, eyes begin to appear and

by 24 days, the cells of the heart begin to differentiate and divide. Arm and legs buds emerge during the 4th week and later, become more increasing in differentiation at 5 to 8 weeks. In the same period also, the face starts to form an intestinal tracts appear. By 8 weeks, many organs begin to emerge. Growth and development continue to process in the dramatic course of fetal development. Organs mature to the point of sustaining the life outside the womb. Prenatal reflexes due to the child's movement and practicing of earlier needed movements such as eating the fluids around, sleeping and scratching become more apparent and the mother feels the said movements for the first time. At the 6 months after conception, the eyes and eyelids are completely formed, fine layer of hair is present, the gasping reflex appears and irregular breathing begins. By 7 to 9 months, the functioning of the various organs is stepped up as well preparing to be born into the complex world. At approximately 9 months after conception, a new human being, a baby is born into the world outside from the closed womb.

REACTION: Upon seeing the documentary "In The Womb", I became aware now on the answer to the question of "When does life begin?" Conception begins at the union of the sperm cell and the egg cell in the process known as fertilization; and it is not in the implantation of the zygote [fertilized egg] in the uterine wall. Life really is a mystery and how I appreciate the human design or blueprint that from the single living cell, growing and now comprising a complex human being composed of millions and billions of living cells. Also, I have to appreciate God for the gift of life he has given me. With the single living cell He designed for me, the dot of life become a complex human person equips with His given talents and skills. Even if from the beginning competition has already been there, but the lesson for me is that to grace the gift of life by God because He alone has given it to me. Also, the documentary made me more appreciative to the pains and burdens my mother has in bearing, rearing me to become who I am now. It is really incomparable to

anything. My mother's pains and trials, fears in bearing me for nine months and when I am outside in the world, how she brought me up is really worth affirming her. Also, I learn how to value my very life. It is being valuable from the beginning until the end. A life valuable from the start of the union of two living cells and in the end valuable in its complex form. Life is of great value, hence, I will take care of this life given to me by God through the sacrifices of my mother and father.