Human Reproduction Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards for human reproduction.

Sexual Reproduction

Combining DNA from two parents, resulting in genetically unique offspring.

Gametes

Egg and sperm cells, each carrying 23 chromosomes in humans.

Ovulation

Monthly release of one mature egg in women.

Fertilization Window

Approximately 24 hours after ovulation when fertilization can occur.

Zygote

The single fertilized egg cell formed when sperm and egg nuclei fuse.

Blastocyst

A hollow ball of cells formed from the zygote, ready for implantation in the uterine lining.

Implantation

The process where the blastocyst embeds in the uterine lining.

Ectoderm

The outer layer of the developing embryo, which forms skin, brain, and nerves.

Mesoderm

The middle layer of the developing embryo, which forms muscles, bones, and blood.

Endoderm

The inner layer of the developing embryo, which forms the lungs, liver, and digestive system.

Neural Tube

An early structure that forms the brain and spinal cord.

Placenta

A temporary organ that connects the mother and fetus for nutrient and waste exchange.

Embryo

The stage of development from weeks 2-8.

Fetus

The stage of development after 8 weeks.

Mitosis

Cell division that produces identical cells.

Meiosis

Cell division that produces gametes (egg/sperm).

External Fertilization

The union of male and female gametes outside the body, usually in bodies of water.

Internal Fertilization

The union of male and female gametes inside the female reproductive tract.

Sperm Cells

Male sex cells which contain many mitochondria for ATP production, needed for flagella movement.

Egg Cells

Female sex cells which contain a large amount of cytoplasm to nourish the developing zygote.

Testosterone

Male sex hormone produced in the testes that is responsible for secondary sex characteristics during puberty.

Estrogen

Female sex hormone that is critical for the menstrual cycle and development of secondary sex characteristics.

Ovary

Female reproductive organ where egg cells mature.

Fallopian Tube

Tube lined with cilia that move the egg ALONG TO THE UTERUS, FERTILIZATION OCCURS HERE IF SPERM IS PRESENT

Uterus

Region where a fertilized egg cell will implant and offspring will grow and develop.

Cervix

Lower end of the uterus that expands to allow the baby to leave the body through the vagina.

Vagina

Muscular canal where the baby or menstrual blood exits the body - birth canal.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Stimulates one follicle in the ovary to mature the egg inside.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Stimulates ovulation, the release of a mature egg from the follicle.

In Vitro Fertilization

A process where an egg is fertilized by sperm in a petri dish and then implanted into the uterus.

Amniotic Fluid

Protects the fetus.

Gestation

Time it takes to fully mature (9 months).

Fraternal Twins

Develop from two different eggs.

Identical Twins

Develop from the same egg.