Pregnancy, Growth & Development

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to pregnancy, growth, and development as presented in the lecture.

Fertilization

The process where sperm unites with the secondary oocyte to form a zygote, marking the beginning of pregnancy.

Zygote

A fertilized egg that results from the fusion of a sperm and an oocyte.

Prenatal

The period from fertilization to birth.

Postnatal

The period from birth to death.

Blastocyst

A hollow ball of cells that forms after the morula stage and implants into the endometrium.

Trophoblast

The outer layer of cells in the blastocyst that will eventually form part of the placenta.

Implantation

The process where the blastocyst attaches to the uterine wall.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

A hormone secreted by the trophoblast that maintains the corpus luteum and avoids immune rejection.

Gastrulation

The phase in embryonic development where cells move to form the three primary germ layers.

Ectoderm

The outermost layer of the germ layers, which develops into the nervous system and skin.

Mesoderm

The middle layer of the germ layers, which develops into connective tissues, muscle, and bones.

Endoderm

The innermost layer of the germ layers, which forms the epithelial linings of organs.

Neurulation

The process during embryonic development that leads to the formation of the neural tube and eventually the central nervous system.

Umbilical cord

A cord that connects the fetus to the placenta, containing blood vessels that transport nutrients and waste.

Parturition

The process of giving birth.

Prostaglandin

A hormone that promotes uterine contractions during the birth process.

Oxytocin

A hormone released during childbirth that stimulates uterine contractions and milk ejection.

Placenta

An organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall for nutrient uptake, waste elimination, and gas exchange.