What May Happen to the Egg After Ovulation Female Reproductive Physiology

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the Female Reproductive Physiology lecture.

Fertilization

Sperm must be introduced to the female reproductive tract.

Sperm Survival

Sperm can survive for up to five (5) days in the female reproductive tract.

Ovulation

Oocyte is only viable for 12-24 hours.

Contraceptive Methods

Ways to prevent sperm from moving beyond the vagina include: Condoms, Diaphragms, Cervical caps and sponges.

Rhythm method

Timing when ovulation occurs to prevent pregnancy (not very effective).

Acrosomal Enzymes Release

Sperm release acrosomal enzymes to digest the zona pellucida.

Zygote Formation

Maternal and paternal chromosomes combine, forming the zygote or fertilized egg.

Chromosome Determination

Oocytes have an X chromosome; sperm can have either an X or Y chromosome.

Morula

Solid mass of cells (~32) formed from mitotic divisions of the zygote.

Blastocyst

A more complex hollow structure. Developing embryo travels down the fallopian tube for 4-5 days and becomes Blastocyst.

Trophoblast

Outer cell layer of the blastocyst that invades the endometrium, creating parts of the placenta and chorion.

Inner Cell Mass

Cluster of cells at one end of the blastocyst that will form the embryo.

hCG

Human chorionic gonadotropin secreted by the trophoblast and chorion that prevents the corpus luteum from degenerating during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Placenta

Secretes progesterone and estrogen after the first trimester.

Chorion

Extra-embryonic mesoderm that delivers embryonic blood formed by Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

Umbilical Artery and Veins

Formed by Chorionic villi.

Placenta Function

Maternal and embryonic circulatory systems exchange materials like oxygen, water, nutrients, and waste.

Fetal Development at 8 Weeks

All major adult structures are present in the fetus, and the heartbeat can be detected.

Umbilical Vein

Carries oxygen and nutrients toward the fetal heart.

Umbilical Arteries

Carry carbon dioxide and waste from the fetal heart to the placenta.

Ductus Venosus

Directs blood from the umbilical vein superior to the liver into the IVC (bypasses the liver).

Foramen Ovale

Moves most of the oxygenated blood in the inferior vena cava directly to the left atrium.

Ductus Arteriosus

Moves blood from the pulmonary artery to the aortic arch.

Placenta

The two umbilical arteries carry carbon dioxide and waste to the placenta.

Relaxin

Causes pelvic ligaments and pubic symphysis to relax, widen, and become flexible.

Labor

The process of the fetus being expelled from the uterus through the vagina.

Fetal Cortisol

Increases during the last few weeks of pregnancy, causing the placenta to release more estrogen.

Oxytocin

Mother and fetus secrete, and its receptors in the uterus increase during labor.

Amniotic Sac Rupture

Fluid is released, and the cervix fully dilates at 10 cm during the dilation phase of labor.

Crowning

Occurs during the expulsion phase of labor when the largest dimension of the baby’s head distends the vulva.

Placental Phase

Strong uterine contractions compress blood vessels, limiting bleeding, and shear off the uterine wall.