1. Fertilization occurs through the acrosomal reaction and fusion of the egg and sperm membranes, allowing entry of a single sperm. 2. This triggers the fast block to polyspermy within 1/10th of a second and the cortical reaction, which changes the egg cytoplasm and hardens membranes to prevent multiple fertilization. 3. Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters. The first trimester involves rapid development and differentiation of the embryo. The placenta forms and the embryo implants in the uterine wall.