1.09 - Gametogenesis

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to embryology and developmental biology from the lecture.

Fertilization

The union of sperm and ovum to form a zygote.

Gastrulation

The process that transforms the two-layered germ disc into a three-layered structure (ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm).

Ectoderm

The outer layer of the germ disc that develops into the skin and nervous system.

Mesoderm

The middle layer of the germ disc that develops into muscles, bones, and the circulatory system.

Endoderm

The inner layer of the germ disc that will form the digestive and respiratory systems.

Neurulation

The process in which the neural tube, which will become the brain and spinal cord, forms from the ectoderm.

Teratogens

Substances that can cause developmental abnormalities in a fetus.

Menstrual Cycle

The monthly series of changes a woman’s body goes through to prepare for a potential pregnancy.

Oogenesis

The process of egg (ova) formation in females.

Spermatogenesis

The process of sperm formation in males.

Primary Oocyte

An immature ovarian germ cell that has undergone the first meiotic division and is arrested in prophase.

Meiosis

A specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half to produce haploid gametes.

Diploid

A cell that contains two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

Haploid

A cell that contains only one complete set of chromosomes.

Acrosome

A cap-like structure over the nucleus of the sperm that contains enzymes to help fertilize the ovum.

Ampulla of the Uterine Tube

The site in the fallopian tube where fertilization typically occurs.

Blastocyst

An early stage of embryonic development consisting of an inner cell mass and an outer trophoblast.

Ectopic Pregnancy

A pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tube.

Trisomy

A genetic condition where there are three copies of a chromosome instead of two.

Down Syndrome

A genetic disorder caused by trisomy 21, leading to developmental and physical challenges.