What process involves the attachment of the blastocyst to the inner wall of the uterus?

Implantation is the process in which the blastocyst, a structure formed in the early stages of embryonic development, attaches itself to the inner lining of the uterus. This crucial step occurs after fertilization, when the fertilized egg has divided and developed into a blastocyst while traveling through the fallopian tube toward the uterus.

During implantation, the blastocyst embeds itself into the endometrial layer of the uterus, allowing for the establishment of a connection with the maternal blood supply. This connection is essential for providing nutrients and oxygen to the developing embryo and for the removal of waste products, thereby supporting the growth and development of the embryo within the protective environment of the uterus.

Cleavage refers to the series of rapid cell divisions that occur after fertilization but before implantation, while gestation refers to the period of development in the uterus following successful implantation. Fertilization is the process where the sperm and egg unite to form a zygote, which precedes cleavage and implantation. Thus, the attachment of the blastocyst to the inner wall of the uterus is specifically identified as implantation.