Fósturvísir

Fósturvísir is a term of Icelandic origin that literally translates to "foetal seed" or "embryonic seed." It refers to the very earliest stage of embryonic development in both humans and animals. This stage begins immediately after fertilization, when a single-celled zygote is formed from the fusion of an egg and sperm. The zygote then undergoes rapid cell division, a process known as cleavage, as it travels down the fallopian tube towards the uterus.

During the fósturvísir stage, the developing organism is a cluster of cells that has not yet differentiated into specific tissues or organs. This period is critical for establishing the foundational structures of the new life. In humans, the fósturvísir stage typically lasts for the first week or so after conception, culminating in implantation into the uterine wall. This implantation marks the transition to the next phase of embryonic development. The term highlights the nascent and potentially life-giving nature of this initial cellular grouping.