Pregnancy and Human Development Overview

Flashcards based on key vocabulary and concepts from the Pregnancy and Human Development lecture notes.

Development

The period from fertilization to maturity.

Embryology

The study of events occurring in the first two months after fertilization.

Fetal Development

Development from two months until birth.

Differentiation

The creation of different types of cells.

Genetics

The study of the mechanisms responsible for inheritance.

Fertilization

Occurs when the two haploid gametes, egg and sperm, come together to form the diploid zygote.

Zygote

The single-celled organism resulting from fertilization and fusion of male and female genetic material.

Cleavage

Cell division without growth, where the cells become more numerous and smaller with each division.

Morula

A solid ball of cells (usually around 32 cells) that results from cleavage.

Blastula

A structure formed when the morula begins accumulating fluid between cells, creating a fluid-filled cavity called the blastocoele.

Implantation

The process where the blastula attaches itself to the uterine lining and begins developing the fetal portion of the placenta.

Gastrulation

The process where the hollow ball of the blastocyst forms a two-cell layered sac and later develops a third layer.

Germ Layers

The three layers of cells that first differentiate in the embryo, leading to various cell types.

Ectoderm

The outer layer of cells that will become the nervous system and epidermis.

Mesoderm

The middle layer of cells that will become organs and organ systems.

Endoderm

The innermost layer of cells that will become the epithelial lining of the digestive tract and urinary bladder.

Extraembryonic Membranes

Membranes designed to nourish and protect the developing embryo/fetus.

Amnion

The outer surrounding membrane which contains amniotic fluid to cushion and protect the developing embryo.

Chorion

The membrane that becomes the fetal portion of the placenta.

Placenta

A joint fetal and maternal structure responsible for exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste.

Pregnancy

The state of carrying a developing embryo or fetus within the female body.

Labor

The forcible expulsion of the fetus during childbirth.

Dilation Stage

The stage of labor that begins with the onset of true labor until the cervix is fully dilated.

Expulsion Stage

The stage of labor where contractions help deliver the fetus.

Placental Stage

The stage after delivery where the placenta is expelled from the uterus.

Twins

Multiple births resulting from two fertilized eggs or one egg that splits into two.

Neonatal Period

From birth to one month of age.

Infancy

From one month to two years of age.

Childhood

From two years to adolescence.

Adolescence

From puberty to completion of growth.

Maturity

The stage where active growth stops and aging begins.