Question

The fetal heart starts contracting at approximately what age of gestation?

• A. 10-12 days
• B. 10-12 weeks
• C. 3-5 weeks
• D. 3-5 months

Hint:

The heart is the first organ to function, beating around day 22.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: The primitive heart tube forms during the third week of development from the cardiogenic mesoderm.
Step 2: Spontaneous contractions begin around day 22 to 23, that is roughly the start of the fourth week, which falls within the 3 to 5 week range.
Step 3: Hence option C is correct. 10 to 12 days is too early (the heart tube has not yet formed), while 10 to 12 weeks and 3 to 5 months are far too late.