Human Reproductive System and Pregnancy

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to human reproduction, fertilization, and the stages of pregnancy.

Zygote

The diploid cell formed when a sperm fertilizes an egg; has 46 chromosomes in humans.

Fertilisation

The process where a sperm cell fuses with an egg cell.

Menstrual Cycle

The series of monthly changes in a woman's body preparing for potential pregnancy.

Ovulation

The release of an egg from the ovary, usually occurring around day 14 of a 28-day cycle.

Blastocyst

The stage of the embryo that forms when it consists of many cells arranged in a hollow ball.

Implantation

The process by which the blastocyst embeds itself into the thickened lining of the uterus.

Placenta

An organ that forms from maternal and embryonic tissues, facilitating nutrient and waste exchange between mother and embryo.

Amniotic Sac

A fluid-filled bag that surrounds and protects a developing embryo or fetus.

Monozygotic Twins

Identical twins that result from the splitting of a single fertilized egg.

Dizygotic Twins

Fraternal twins that develop from two separate eggs fertilized by different sperm.