Human Reproduction, Development, and Genetics Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering human reproductive anatomy, hormonal cycles, fetal development, pregnancy complications, and genetic inheritance based on lecture notes.

Reproductive (genital) system

The organs and structures responsible for producing gametes, supporting fertilization, pregnancy, and childbirth.

Gonads

Organs that produce gametes and hormones.

Gametes

Reproductive cells, specifically sperm or eggs.

AMAB

An acronym for Assigned Male at Birth.

AFAB

An acronym for Assigned Female at Birth.

Scrotum

A skin sac holding the testes that regulates temperature for sperm production.

Epididymis

A coiled tube where sperm cells mature and are stored.

Vas deferens

The structure that transports sperm from the epididymis toward the urethra.

Uterine (fallopian) tubes

Tubes that carry eggs to the uterus and are the typical site of fertilization.

Endometrium

The uterine lining that thickens each cycle in preparation for pregnancy.

Cervix

The lower, narrow part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

Menstrual Phase

The phase (Days $1-5$) of the reproductive cycle involving the shedding of the uterine lining.

Ovulation

The release of an egg from the ovary into the fallopian tube, typically occurring on Day $14$.

Spermatogenesis

The continuous process of producing sperm cells in the seminiferous tubules of the testes after puberty.

Oogenesis

The process of producing egg cells that begins before birth, pauses, and resumes at puberty in cycles.

Intersex Variations

Natural variations where individuals are born with biological traits that do not fit typical definitions of male or female anatomy.

Hypospadias

A condition where the urethral opening is located somewhere other than the tip of the penis.

Cryptorchidism

A condition where one or both testes fail to descend into the scrotum before birth.

Müllerian anomalies

Differences in the formation of the uterus, cervix, and upper vagina resulting from atypical development of the Müllerian ducts.

Ovotesticular DSD

A condition where gonads are asymmetrical, featuring an ovary on one side and a testis or ovotestis on the other.

Testicular Feminization

A condition characterized by feminine external genitalia, breast development, a shallow vagina, and two testicles in the labia.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

A hormonal imbalance that disrupts ovulation and is a common cause of infertility.

Klinefelter Syndrome ($XXY$)

A genetic condition in AMAB individuals involving an extra X chromosome, leading to low testosterone and reduced fertility.

Turner Syndrome ($XO$)

A condition in AFAB individuals involving a missing or partial X chromosome, resulting in short stature and infertility.

Zygote

The cell formed by fertilization containing $46$ chromosomes, with $23$ from each parent.

Implantation

The essential process where a blastocyst attaches to the endometrium approximately $6-10$ days after fertilization.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

A hormone produced by the placenta that maintains the corpus luteum and is detected by pregnancy tests.

Relaxin

A hormone produced by the corpus luteum and placenta that supports uterine quiescence and cervical softening.

Decidua

The transformed endometrium of pregnancy that supports implantation and promotes immune tolerance of the embryo.

Progesterone

A hormone that maintains pregnancy by inhibiting uterine contractions and promoting endometrial secretory changes.

Neural tube

The structure that begins forming in weeks $3-4$ of the first trimester, eventually becoming the brain and spinal cord.

Quickening

The first fetal movements felt by the mother, usually between weeks $16-20$.

Vernix

A protective coating that covers the skin of the fetus during the second trimester.

Vertex

The head-down position a fetus usually assumes by week $36$ in preparation for birth.

Full term

A standardized gestational-age category ranging from $39+0$ to $40+6$ weeks.

Dilation Stage

The first stage of labor where the cervix opens from $0$ to $10\,cm$.

Uterine Involution

The postpartum process where the uterus shrinks back to its pre-pregnancy size over $6-12$ weeks.

Lochia

Vaginal bleeding and discharge that occurs for several weeks following childbirth.

Colostrum

The thick, yellowish first milk produced after birth that is rich in antibodies and nutrients.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)

High blood sugar during pregnancy that increases risk for large birth weight and preterm birth.

Preeclampsia

A pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure and protein in the urine.

Placental Abruption

The premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, leading to bleeding and reduced oxygen for the fetus.

Placental Previa

A condition where the placenta covers the cervical opening, usually necessitating a C-section.

Gene

A specific sequence of DNA that determines traits such as blood type and eye color.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an individual, such as $RR$, $Rr$, or $rr$.

Phenotype

The physical expression of a genotype, such as the ability to roll one's tongue.

Codominance

An inheritance pattern where two genes are expressed equally, such as in the ABO blood group.

Incomplete Dominance

An inheritance pattern where neither allele is dominant, such as the inheritance of hair texture.

Genetic Information Nondiscretionary Act (GINA)

A U.S. law protecting individuals from genetic discrimination in insurance and employment.

CRISPR

A gene-editing technology (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) that acts like molecular scissors to change DNA.