Human Reproductive and Developmental Biology

A series of flashcards covering key concepts in human reproductive and developmental biology.

Fertilization

The process that begins when sperm travel through the female reproductive tract to the fallopian tube to penetrate an egg.

Implantation

The process where the embryo burrows into the uterine lining, initiating pregnancy.

Blastula

A hollow ball of cells formed during the early stages of embryo development.

Differentiation

The process by which a cell becomes specialized in shape, size, and function.

Placenta

An organ that provides the fetus with nutrients and oxygen during development.

Umbilical Cord

A structure that connects the fetus to the placenta.

Amniotic Fluid

The fluid that cushions the fetus and provides a protective environment.

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

A hormone produced by the women's body after fertilization, used as an indicator in early pregnancy tests.

Y Chromosome

The sex chromosome carried by sperm that is responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics.

Labor

The process of childbirth which includes cervical dilation, pushing and birth, and placental delivery.

Feedback Loop in Labor

A mechanism where uterine contractions stimulate the release of oxytocin, facilitating further contractions.

Ultrasound

A non-invasive prenatal diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to create images of the fetus.

Amniocentesis

A prenatal diagnostic procedure involving the extraction of amniotic fluid for testing.

CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling)

A prenatal diagnostic technique that involves taking a sample of tissue from the placenta.

Evolution

The change in heritable traits of populations of organisms over generations, leading to the development of new species.

Natural Selection

The process where organisms with advantageous traits survive and reproduce more successfully.

Survival of the Fittest

A principle of natural selection indicating that organisms better suited to their environment are more likely to survive.

Adaptation

A characteristic that improves an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.

Allele

An alternative form of a gene that exists at a specific location on a chromosome.

Fitness

The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment.

Science

The systematic study of life, including its structure, function, evolution, distribution, and interrelationships.