Reproductive Biology and Development

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the female and male reproductive systems, hormonal cycles, embryonic development, and birth control methods based on the lecture notes.

Cervix

The structure described as the "neck" of the uterus, which relaxes, dilates, and thins out during the first stage of labor.

Endometrium

The lining of the uterus that undergoes changes during the menstrual cycle and is where the blastocyst implants.

Corpus luteum

A structure formed in the ovary after a mature follicle releases an egg; it secretes progesterone and estradiol during the luteal phase.

FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone)

An anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates the development of follicles in the ovarian cycle.

LH (Luteinizing hormone)

An anterior pituitary hormone that triggers ovulation when it reaches its peak concentration.

Proliferative phase

A phase of the uterine cycle occurring after menstruation where the endometrium begins to thicken under the influence of estrogen.

Secretory phase

The phase of the uterine cycle that coincides with the luteal phase, characterized by the influence of progesterone and preparation for potential implantation.

Morula

An early stage of embryonic development occurring around Day $3$ consisting of a solid ball of cells.

Blastocyst

The developmental stage of the embryo that implants into the uterine endometrium at approximately Day $7$, containing an inner cell mass.

Spermatogenesis

The process of sperm production, proceeding from a spermatogonium to a primary spermatocyte, then secondary spermatocytes, and finally spermatids.

Oogenesis

The process of egg production, involving the formation of a primary oocyte, secondary oocyte, and polar bodies, ultimately resulting in one functional egg.

Polar bodies

Small cells produced during oogenesis that do not develop into eggs and are eventually degraded.

Amnion

An extraembryonic membrane that forms a fluid-filled sac immediately surrounding the embryo.

Chorion

The outermost extraembryonic membrane that contributes to the fetal portion of the placenta through chorionic villi.

Allantois

An extraembryonic membrane found in both chicks and humans that is involved in early waste management and gas exchange.

Placenta Previa

A clinical condition where the placenta is positioned over the cervix, categorized as marginal, partial, or total.

Stage 2 of Labor

The stage of childbirth where uterine contractions increase in strength and the infant is delivered.

Stage 3 of Labor

The final stage of childbirth characterized by the detaching and expulsion of the placenta from the uterus.

Mirena

An intrauterine device (IUD) that thins the uterine lining and thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.

Vasectomy

A surgical birth control method for men where each vas deferens is cut and the ends are tied.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

An infertility treatment where a woman's egg cells are combined with sperm outside the uterus in a lab culture dish before being implanted.

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)

A procedure where a single sperm is injected directly into the cytoplasm of an egg using a fine injection needle.