Fertilization, Pregnancy, and Parturition

These flashcards cover key concepts related to Fertilization, Pregnancy, and Parturition, including hormonal functions, stages of embryo development, and the process of implantation.

High levels of __ during the late follicular phase of the ovarian cycle stimulate rapid proliferation of the endometrial stratum functionalis.

estradiol

The LH surge, due to estrogen positive feedback, stimulates oocyte meiotic progression to __ and ovulation of the cumulus-oocyte complex.

metaphase II

Once fertilization occurs, implantation occurs about __ days later.

6

High levels of __ during early/mid luteal phase stimulate uterine gland secretions to provide nourishment for possible implantation.

progesterone

Progesterone induces __ in the uterus around days 20-24 of the menstrual cycle.

“window of receptivity”

Fertilization accomplishes genetic recombination and formation of a new __ organism.

genetically distinct

To fertilize the ovum, a sperm must become __, which takes at least 7 hours after ejaculation.

capacitated

Sperm release the enzyme __ to penetrate the expanded cumulus.

hyaluronidase

During fertilization, sperm binds to __ proteins to induce the acrosomal reaction.

ZP3

The __ stage occurs after the sperm loses its flagellum and enters the oocyte.

activation

The first embryonic cleavage occurs as the male and female DNA __ as pronuclei are pulled together.

replicate

During implantation, the trophoblast secretes __ to digest the zona pellucida.

proteases

The process that transforms the maternal endometrial stroma into large glycogen-filled decidual cells is called __.

Decidualization

The __ villi surround the developing embryo and bulge into the uterine cavity.

Chorionic

Oxygen and nutrients diffuse from maternal blood to fetal blood at the __.

placenta

The amniotic sac, formed by the expansion of the amnion, is filled with __ fluid.

amnionic

After parturition, __ from the anterior pituitary gland stimulates the production of colostrum.

prolactin

__ antibodies are passed from mother to child in breast milk, providing passive immunity.

IgA

During pregnancy, __ inhibits uterine contractions until the end of gestation.

progesterone

The three stages of labor include strong uterine contractions, delivery of the fetus, and delivery of the __.

placenta