Human Growth & Development: Prenatal Development

Flashcards containing key terms and definitions relevant to Human Growth & Development, focusing on prenatal development processes.

Morula

A solid ball of cells resulting from the cleavage of a zygote.

Blastocyst

A stage in early development of mammals that occurs after the morula, characterized by a fluid-filled cavity.

Implanted blastocyst

The stage when the blastocyst attaches to the uterine wall.

Cleavage

The series of rapid mitotic divisions that a zygote undergoes after fertilization.

Zygote

The fertilized egg formed by the union of sperm and egg.

Spermatogenesis

The process of sperm cell development within the testes.

Oogenesis

The process of egg cell development in females.

Corpus luteum

A temporary endocrine structure involved in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

Fertilization

The process by which a male sperm cell fuses with a female egg cell.

Trophoblast

The outer layer of cells in the blastocyst that ultimately forms part of the placenta.

Decidualization

The changes occurring in the uterine lining (endometrium) to support implantation.

Polyspermy

The fertilization of an egg by multiple sperm cells, which is typically prevented.

Acrosome

A cap-like structure in sperm that contains enzymes to help penetrate the egg during fertilization.

Cortical reaction

The change in the egg's membrane that prevents polyspermy after a sperm has penetrated.

Endometrium

The inner mucous membrane lining the uterus, which undergoes changes during the menstrual cycle.

Follicular phase

The phase of the ovarian cycle from days 1 to 13 when ovarian follicles mature.

Luteal phase

The phase of the ovarian cycle from days 15 to 28 following ovulation, characterized by the presence of the corpus luteum.

Ovulation

The release of a mature egg from the ovary, typically occurring on day 14 of the ovarian cycle.

Zona pellucida

The thick transparent layer surrounding an oocyte, which sperm must penetrate during fertilization.

Fertilization envelope

The protective layer that forms around the egg after fertilization, preventing multiple sperm from entering.