Gametogenesis and Fertilization Notes

A set of vocabulary flashcards derived from the lecture notes on gametogenesis, fertilization, and early development.

Spermatogenesis

The process in the male by which sperm are formed.

Sertoli cells

Cells that comprise the walls of seminiferous tubules and maintain the environment for spermatogenic cells.

Spermatogonia

Stem cells that undergo mitosis to provide an endless supply during spermatogenesis.

Primary spermatocyte

A cell that differentiates from spermatogonium and undergoes meiosis.

Meiosis

Division process that produces haploid cells from diploid cells.

Spermiogenesis

The temperature dependent pathway where spermatids are streamlined to produce sperm.

Acrosome

A structure that enlarges from the Golgi apparatus, positioned on the nose of the sperm.

Oogenesis

The formation of eggs occurring in the cortex of the ovaries.

Follicular cells

Cells that change shape and increase in number after puberty during oogenesis.

Corpus luteum

Follicular cells remaining in the ovary after ovulation that secrete progesterone.

Zona pellucida

A glycoprotein covering that directly surrounds the oocyte.

Meiosis I

The first meiotic division that produces secondary oocytes.

Emergency contraception

Pills containing high doses of estrogens that inhibit ovulation by disrupting hormone balances.

Semen

A mixture of sperm and glandular secretion from seminal vesicles, prostate, and Cowper's gland.

Infertility

Condition defined as a sperm concentration below 10 million per ml.

Motility

The ability of sperm to swim; considered normal if 40% have motility after 2 hours.

Capacitation

The process by which sperm undergo changes in the female reproductive tract to be able to fertilize an egg.

Acrosomal reaction

Activation and release of enzymes necessary for sperm to penetrate the zona pellucida.

Pronuclei

The nucleus formed by the fusion of the sperm and oocyte nuclei after fertilization.

Zygote

A diploid cell formed by the fusion of male and female gametes.

Blastomeres

Cells formed from cleavage of the zygote.

Morula

A solid mass of 16-32 blastomeres that typically enters the uterus.

Trophoblast

Outer layer of cells in the blastocyst that produce early pregnancy factor and differentiate into syncytiotrophoblast.

Ectopic pregnancy

When an embryo implants outside the uterine lining, usually in the oviduct.

Amniotic sac

Fluid-filled sac that surrounds and protects the fetus in the womb.

Umbilical cord

Structure that connects the fetus to the placenta, containing two arteries and one vein.

Hydatidiform mole

A disorganized proliferation of the chorion that can be partial or complete, affecting pregnancy.

Teratogens

Agents that cause birth defects or abnormalities in fetal development.

Congenital anomalies

Birth defects that are present at birth and can affect physical or mental development.

Gestational age

Clinical measure of pregnancy duration calculated from the last menstrual period or time of conception.

Cleft lip

A congenital split in the upper lip due to improper fusion of facial structures.

Neural tube defects

Birth defects of the brain, spine, or spinal cord that occur during embryonic development.

Placenta previa

A condition where the placenta covers the internal uterine os, leading to complications during birth.

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)

A condition in which the fetus does not grow as expected, usually indicated by low weight.

Ectoderm

The outermost germ layer that develops into skin and nervous tissue.

Mesoderm

The middle germ layer that develops into muscle, bone, and connective tissues.

Endoderm

The innermost germ layer that develops into the lining of the gut and other organs.

Organogenesis

The period of development when the organs form, typically from weeks 4-8.

Gastrulation

The process by which the bilaminar disk develops into a trilaminar disk, forming germ layers.

Neural crest

Cells that separate from the neural plate and develop into various structures in the peripheral nervous system.

Somites

Blocks of mesoderm that form alongside the neural tube and differentiate into vertebrae and muscles.

Vasculogenesis

The formation of new blood vessels during embryonic development.

Hematogenesis

The process of blood cell formation.

Chorionic villi

Finger-like structures that extend from the placenta for nutrient exchange.

Fetal alcohol syndrome

A condition resulting from alcohol exposure during pregnancy, leading to growth, mental, and physical anomalies.