The Process of Life & Death
We are all very unique! We are each born a unique way with specific traits from our parents. We learn certain aspects of life, adopt certain skills, and enjoy some hobbies over others. The way we love and laugh is also unique to who we are – as unique as our DNA. We each have and play a unique role throughout our lives and we are all gifted with certain characteristics, qualities, and talents.
The process of birth is a magical one. It is something that takes Generations to come to pass. Two people, who happened to be in the right place at the right time, fall in love. They move to a certain neighbourhood, have a few kids, enrol them in activities, and take them to school. They grow up, perhaps attend college or university, meet someone else, fall in love, and have some children. This process is what creates Generations. Parents' and grandparents' choices shape the children's lives for where they live or grow up, what they experience, the foods they eat, and the behaviours they observably learn.
Most have learned how and where babies come from, but few know how particular and special that process is! Embryogenesis is an embryo's development process. It starts as an egg cell is fertilized by a sperm cell within the fallopian tube. Once fertilized, it is referred to as a Zygote, a single diploid cell. The fertilized egg releases a fast and slow block to the egg to prevent multiple sperms from further fertilizing the egg. Embryonic development happens within the first eight weeks of fertilization. At the beginning of the ninth week, the embryo is termed a fetus until the gestation period is over, which is about nine months or forty weeks. The germinal stage takes around ten days or when the embryo has finished travelling as it implants into the uterus. It is within this stage that many changes take place to the fertilized egg, known as the zygote.
The zygote undergoes mitotic divisions (known as cleavage) and cellular differentiation. This process leads to the development of a multicellular embryo. The first two cells divide into four, then into eight, and so on and takes around 12-24 hours for each division. Four cell division occurs that results in a dense ball of sixteen cells, known as a morula, or like a berry. Cleavage leads to the Blastula stage with blastomere cells that allow the membrane and embryo to create blastocoelic fluid to support the growth of life. The zygote contains the genetic materials of 23 chromosomes from the sperm's nucleus and 23 chromosomes from the ovum's nucleus.
To further the initial process, the seventh cleavage produces 128 cells to produce a blastula, which is a spherical layer of cells to form the blastocyst. The cells differentiate into an outer layer and an inner cell mass. Through compaction and polarization, the blastocyst, within the zona pellucida, contain the fluids to close and form gap junctions to facilitate cellular communication. The inner cell mass creates the pre-embryo, the amnion, yolk sac, and allantois. The fetal portion will form the outer trophoblast layer, which allows the blastocyst to attach to the endometrium of the uterus. The two main layers of the bilaminar germ disc occur at the beginning of the second week. The outer layers that attach the endometrium will create the placental blood flow through the primary villi, while the inner layers will continue towards fetal development.
After ovulation, the endometrial lining prepares to accept the embryo as it becomes thickened with elongated, and vascular secretory glands. The lining – the decidua – produces large decidual cells to increase intraglandular tissue to later connect with the chorionic villi or the embryonic part of the placenta. The blastomeres in the blastocyst arrange into outer later called the trophoblast, which then differentiates into an inner and outer later 0 the cytotrophoblast and the syncytiotrophoblast. The syncytiotrophoblast produces the hormone that stimulates the release of progesterone that enriches the uterus through a thick lining of blood vessels and capillaries to oxygenate and sustain the embryo. The hair-like projections – villi – branch to further the exchange of nutrients, and the uterus utilizes sugar stored from glycogen. The embryo is joined to the trophoblastic shell through the connecting stalk that develops into the umbilical cord to attach the placenta to the embryo. Arteries are remodelled to allow the exchange of gas and transfer the nutrients and waste. The inner cell mass, the embryonic stem cells, develop into any of the three germ layers to develop the tissues and organs.
At week three, gastrulation and the primitive streak occurs through the process of the three-layer embryo, the specific head to tail and front to back orientation. The embryo's cleavage is asymmetric to produce a future ectoderm, ectoderm, and mesoderm end. The primitive streak establishes symmetry, the primitive node, and the primitive pit. The pit or depression is in the center of the node, which connects to the notochord (from the epiblasts of the amniotic cavity floor) to start the formation of the neural plate and the nervous system. The three germ layers are formed as three overlapping flat discs that, through somitogenesis, histogenesis and organogenesis, the baby will develop.
The upper layer of the ectoderm will produce the nervous system, spine, peripheral nerves and brain, tooth enamel, epidermis, eyes, inner ears, and the lining of the mouth, anus, nostrils, sweat glands, hair, nails, and the outer layer of the skin. The middle mesoderm later produces mesenchyme, mesothelium, non-epithelial blood cells, and essentially our cardiac muscles, smooth muscles, skeletal muscles, tubule cells of the kidney, and red blood cells. The inner endoderm later produces the flattened, columnar, epithelial lining of multiple systems such as our lung cells, thyroid cells, intestines, bladder, and pancreatic cells. Through the process of ingression, a blastopore develops to form the first stage of the gut tunnels to form the digestive tube of mouth to anus.
Once there is a functioning digestive tube, gastrulation is complete, and neurulation begins. The ectoderm layer produces epithelial and neural tissues. The neurula and neural plate has formed as a thick plate from the ectoderm to broaden to fold upwards into neural folds. During this fourth week, the folds form a shallow, narrow neural groove that deepens in height to meet to close the neural crest. Through this process, the layers will develop and differentiate into somites, sclerotomes, myotomes, and dermatomes to form cartilage, bone, tendons, dermis, and muscle. The intermediate mesoderm forms the urogenital tract. The embryo starts as a flat and round disc, which eventually elongates to have a wider cephalic (brain) end and narrow shaped caudal (tailbone) end.
Within the third to eight weeks, and until birth, the organs and their respective systems begin to develop. During this time, the mesoderm starts the process of blood cells and vessels. The heart is the first functional organ to develop and starts to beat and pump blood around 21/22 days. The heart forms five distinct regions and further divides into the aorta and pulmonary artery. The digestive system begins to form between the third to the twelfth week. The respiratory system develops from the lung bud at four weeks. The lung bud will form the trachea, bronchial buds, and the bronchi. The kidney system and bladder beings between the fourth and seventh week, and the reproductive system begins to form. Within the second month until the fourth, the integumentary system form, which includes the skin layers. Within the fourth week, the nervous system begins to develop.
If you have read until this point – then you know how incredible the human body is as the process for life is not a simple task. The birthing process can be complicated as well; due dates can happen sooner or later than expected. The ideal delivery may change at the last minute. And spending more time in the hospital could be a possibility. As life goes on, we all go through stages of development throughout our lifespan. This includes learning through the environment, observation, and reinforcement, feeling safe and secure within our homes with our parents and achieving certain milestones as we continue to get older. Some make it a bit further than others. And the unique process of death is something no one can predict. Some have a gradual decline in health, and for some, it can happen much quicker than others.
The process of death and dying can happen in a variety of ways. Some may have certain signs or symptoms that prompt them to visit their primary medical doctor. Some may just have a feeling that something is not right inside, and others it may come on very quickly. Certain signs may be noticeable in adults and are a normal part of the dying process.
In the first to three months, sleeping and dozing off happens more often, there may be less of an appetite or desire to eat and drink, they may be withdrawn from activities they enjoyed, and they may talk a bit less.
In the couple weeks leading up, they may feel exhausted with no energy to leave the bed; their sleep pattern may be off, there will be even less of an appetite, fewer elimination, an increase in pain, changes to blood pressure, breathing, and heart rate. Their body temperature may fluctuate, and their skin may feel cool, warm, moist, or pale. Their breathing may seem congested from buildup that forms in the back of the throat. They may seem confused or in a daze, and they may have hallucinations or visions.
Near to death, they may refuse food and drinks, stop having any elimination, and they may appear to grimace or groan in pain. Their eyes may tear or glaze over, their pulse and heartbeat may be irregular or hard to feel or hear, their body temperature will drop, their skin on their knees, feet, and hands may turn a mottled blue-purple (within the last 24 hours), and their breathing may be interrupted by gasping and slowing down until it stops entirely. They may not be unconscious as they may drift in and out, but they will be able to hear and feel.
At the moment of death, in a hospital setting, there will be a few requirements to define death. These include the absence of a pulse, breathing, reflexes, and pupillary constriction in bight lights. In an emergency setting, paramedics will look for the five signs of irreversible death to determine when to resuscitate. These include decapitation, decomposition, post-mortem lividity, post-mortem rigidity, or burned beyond recognition.
At the first hour, all of the muscles of the body relax, the eyelids lose their tension, the pupils dilate, the jaw may fall open, and the body's joints and limbs are flexible. With primary flaccidity, the skin will sag to cause the prominent joints and bones of the body to become pronounces. As the muscles relax, the sphincter tone diminishes, and urine and feces will pass.
Within minutes of the heart-stopping, pallor Mortis begins as the blood drains from the smaller veins creating a pale complexion. The body will begin to cool down, known as algor mortis. (This can often determine the time of death). At two to six hours post, gravity will pull or pool the body closest to the ground, called livor mortis. A post-mortem stain may accumulate in areas closest to the ground; this resembles a bruise. At the third hour, chemical changes in the cells being to stiffen the body, such as the eyelids, jaw and next. As rigor mortis steps in, over the next several hours, it will spread into the face, chest, abdomen, arms, legs, fingers and toes. At seven to twelve hours, the body will be extremely stiff as the limbs will be difficult to move or manipulate, the knees and elbows will be slightly flexed, and the fingers or toes can appear crooked. At twelve hours and beyond, secondary flaccidity occurs over a few days. The muscles will continue to loose due to chemical changes, and there will be tissue decay. The process is influenced by external conditions such as cold, which slows down the process. During this time, the skin begins to shrink, which creates the illusion that the hair and nails are growing. Rigor mortis dissipates in the opposite direction within 488 hours. Once the secondary flaccidity is complete, all of the muscles in the body will be relaxed.
In these last moments, stay with them, try to keep them calm through calming and holding them by letting them know you are there with them. Contact any friends or family members who may wish to say their good-byes as well. Being together during these times provides the physical and emotional support needed. Some family members will take on certain roles, either through engaging with the right people for the next steps or organizing affairs. There is always a possibility that your loved one may decide to wait until everyone has left to continue with their journey.
_edited_.png)
Many details may need to be established to prepare for death and the funeral process. It is important to establish funeral wishes, which include the funeral home, the type of funeral, and plots or even tombstones or plaques. There are funeral rights that are required by law to ensure fair and equitable service. This includes learning of the costs and how to prepare for them, possibly through life insurance. In one study, it is estimated costs to be close or near to twenty thousand dollars. There may be government funeral benefits, depending on one's situation. It is most important, if it is possible, to talk with loved ones to discuss this sensitive topic. Soon after the death, it is important to either call 911 or notify health care professionals, contact the coroner, insurance, family members, executors, and the funeral home. Soon after the funeral, it will be essential to finalize any employment information, benefits, the bank, utility companies, the post office, and complete any insurance policies.
While there is no specific way or magical formula to navigate these times, there are some thoughts on how to be there for others. Support does not have to be provided in large ways, but it can be through the smaller things. Most will send something, either flowers, a home-cooked meal, thoughtful cards, or even a care box. Some may offer practical support such as helping with day-to-day tasks, baby or pet sitting, helping with cleaning or yard work or even offering to drive them on certain outings. Being there can include sending a text, offering a hug, or sincere and simple words of encouragement. Giving them a break by being there includes taking them out for a coffee or going for a walk. Being there in a supportive way can go a long way in providing support. And generally, the support should extend past the funeral days. It is normally when the bustle fades that true emotions surface.
The best things to say include, I feel your pain, how about a hug, I am sorry for your loss, I am here for you, I will bring you a meal, would you like to talk, sincerely ask how are you doing, or simply, say nothing but let them know you are there.
