Apr 29, 2023

Twinning in Humans: Identical and Fraternal

Multiple births are a rare occurrence in humans, and can either be identical or fraternal twins. Identical twins are formed when a fertilized egg splits into two separate zygotes, each developing into a new individual with identical genetic makeup. This type of twinning is known as monozygotic twinning and is a random event that occurs naturally during the early stages of embryonic development. Identical twins are always of the same sex, and may share the same placenta, chorion sac and umbilical cord while having their own amniotic sacs. In some cases, a fertilized egg may divide more than once, resulting in the formation of four identical embryos, and thus four identical twins.

Identical Twins


On the other hand, fraternal twins occur when more than one egg is released from the ovary or ovaries and is fertilized by separate sperm. These twins are also known as dizygotic twins and are more common than identical twins. Each fraternal twin develops separately, with its own placenta, cord, chorion sac and amniotic sac. Unlike identical twins, fraternal twins do not share identical genetic makeup and can be of different sexes, just like any other siblings.

Fraternal Twins


It's important to note that the likelihood of having twins or multiple births can be influenced by various factors such as age, family history, and certain fertility treatments. While multiple births can be an exciting experience for families, it's important to be aware of the potential risks and complications associated with carrying and delivering multiple babies.

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