Animal Reproduction and Development Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the lecture notes on animal reproduction and development.

Pregnancy (Gestation)

The time during which a developing embryo or fetus grows within the uterus of the mother.

Placenta

A structure that connects the developing fetus to the mother’s uterine wall, providing transfer of nutrients and gasses.

Implantation

The process by which the blastocyst embeds within the uterine endometrium.

Placenta

The structure that connects the developing fetus and mother, providing nutrients and allowing for the exchange of substances by diffusion.

Parturition

Birth, initiated by hormonal action and other factors, involving uterine contractions and the expulsion of the fetus and placenta.

Oxytocin

Hormone from the posterior pituitary that stimulates smooth muscle contraction in the uterus.

Embryonic Development

The process by which a fertilized egg is transformed into an animal with distinct physiological systems and body parts.

Cleavage

The process of initial cell cycles without cell growth after fertilization.

Trophectoderm

Outer layer of cells in the blastocyst that develops into the placenta.

Inner Cell Mass

Inner cell mass (~30 cells) in the blastocyst that develops into the embryo.

Endometrium

The lining of the uterus where the blastocyst attaches and begins to sink into.

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

Hormone released by the blastocyst, maintains corpus luteum.

Gastrulation

The process where the blastocyst reorganizes and develops into a gastrula, forming the germ layers.

Ectoderm

Outer germ layer that forms the epidermis and nervous system.

Mesoderm

Middle germ layer that forms the heart, limbs, muscles, kidneys, blood, connective tissues, and notochord.

Endoderm

Inner germ layer that forms the epithelial lining of the gut, liver, pancreas, thyroid, lungs, and bladder.

Neurulation

Formation of the central nervous system (CNS).

Neural Crest

Structure unique to vertebrates where all neurons and their supporting cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) are derived from.

Organogenesis

The process of organ formation.

Male Infertility

Inability to produce sufficient numbers or quality of sperm.

Female Infertility

Inability to become pregnant or maintain a pregnancy.

Contraception

Blocks fertilization or implantation of egg.

ART (Assisted Reproductive Technologies)

Assisted reproductive technologies used to treat infertility.