Fertilization Flashcards
What happens during sexual intercourse?
During sexual intercourse the a male’s penis releases semen into the female’s vagina.
When does fertilization happen?
Fertilization happens when an egg cell meets with a sperm cell and the two gametes join together to form a zygote.
What happens to the zygote then?
After a period of time the zygote divides and moves down the fallopian tubes to the uterus, implanting itself in the uterine lining.
What happens right after intercourse?
Sperm cells travel in semen from the penis and into the top of the vagina.
Where does the sperm enter and go?
They enter the uterus through the cervix and travel to the fallopian tubes.
What can happen after intercourse is completed and the sperm have traveled all the way up the vagina?
If a sperm cell meets with an egg cell there, fertilization can happen.
What is the fertilized cells called?
At this point the fertilized cells are referred to as an embryo
What is a menstrual cycle?
Most women have a roughly 28 day cycle called the menstrual cycle.
What is the first phase of the menstrual cycle?
- The developing of a fertile egg (ovum)
What is the second phase of the menstrual cycle?
- Ovulation: The releasing of a fertile egg into the fallopian tubes. This is the phase when a woman can get pregnant. The uterine lining thickens during this phase in anticipation of a fertilized egg.
What is the third phase?
- The unfertilized egg is released from the fallopian tubes into the uterus
What is the final fourth phase?
- Menstrual phase: This is commonly referred to as a period and is where a woman bleeds. The unfertilized egg and the thickened uterine lining is released through the vagina.
