Final answer:
The time between the 3rd and 8th week of prenatal development corresponds to the embryonic stage, during which significant growth and formation of organ systems occurs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The period between the third and eighth week of prenatal development is known as the embryonic stage. During this stage, the developing human undergoes significant growth, experiencing cell division, migration, and differentiation. It is a critical period where all of the organ systems start to form in rudimentary stages, though they may not be fully functional yet. The embryonic stage is characterized by important processes such as gastrulation, neurulation, and organogenesis, where the three germ layers develop and the basis for the nervous system and most organs are established.
By contrast, the germinal stage refers to the initial two weeks post-fertilization, encompassing early cell divisions and ending when the blastocyst implants in the uterus. Subsequently, the fetal stage commences from the ninth week after fertilization and continues until birth, with this stage focusing on the continued growth and development of the body, brain, and organs.