Fertilization and Early Gestation

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to fertilization and early gestation in mammals.

Fertilization

The process where sperm penetrates the egg to form a new organism.

Oocyte

The female egg cell that matures in a recruited follicle.

Zona pellucida

A thick glycoprotein coat that protects the egg and prevents multiple sperm from fertilizing the same egg.

Acrosome reaction

A process where the sperm's enzymes are released to penetrate the egg's protective layers.

Blastocyst stage

The stage of early development where the embryo forms a cavity and differentiates into the inner cell mass and trophoblast.

Trophoblast

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

Cleavage stage

The early division of the fertilized egg into multiple cells without growth.

Implantation

The process by which the embryo attaches to the uterus.

Capacitation

The process by which sperm undergo physiological changes to become capable of fertilization.

Polar body

A small cell that is produced during oocyte development and typically does not develop into the egg.

Estrus

The recurring period of sexual receptivity and fertility in female mammals.

Chorion

The outermost membrane around the embryo that contributes to the formation of the placenta.

Polyspermy

A condition where an egg is fertilized by more than one sperm, usually leading to developmental issues.

Gestation

The period of development from fertilization to birth.

Interspecies hybrid

An organism created by the mating of two different species, often resulting in sterility.

Embryonic membranes

Protective membranes surrounding the embryo, including the amnion and chorion.