Human reproduction Flashcards
Acrosome
Structure in the sperm cell that contains enzymes used to penetrate the ovum
Amniotic fluid
the liquid that surrounds the human embryo
blastocyst
a hollow ball of cells into which the fertilised ovum develops
cells of leydig
specialised cells found between the seminiferous tubules that produce the hormone testosterone
chorion
the membrane that forms finger-like projections which grow into the uterine wall
Endometrium
the lining of the uterus which is richly supplied with blood vessels
Epididymis
Coiled tubular structure outside the testis that store sperm
Fallopian Tubes
The part of the female reproductive system in which fertiisation takes place
Fetus
The name given to the embryo after it reachs 12 weeks
Follicle Stimulating Hormone/ FSH
The hormone produced by the ptuitary gland which controls growth of the graafia follicle
Gametogenesis
The formation of gamete by meiosis
Germinal Epithelium
Layer within the ovary that is responsible for formation of ova through meiosis
Implantation
The process by which the embryo becomes attached to the uterine wall
Gestation
Another name for the period of pregnancy
Luteinising Hormone/LH
The hormone which converts the rupture follicle into a corpus luteum
Meiosis
type of cell division by which sperms are produced
Menstrual Cycle
The 28-day reproductive cycle in females involving changes in the ovary and uterus
Menstruation
Tearing away of the endometrium lining of the uterine wall, acompanied by the loss of blood
Mitosis
The cell division by which the zygote becomes multicellular
Estrogen
The hormone which starts the preperation of the lining of the uterus for attachment of the fertilised ovum
Oogenesis
Production of ova by meiosis
Ovulation
Process by which an ovum is released from the ovary in humans
Pituitary Gland / Hypophysis
Gland in the brain that produces FHS and LS
Placenta
Combination of embryonic and material tissue responsible for gas exchange, nutrition and excretion
Progesterone
Hormone that maintains pregnancy
Puberty
The stage when sexual maturity is reached in males and females
Sertoli Cells
Specialised cells inside the seminifourous tubules which play a role in nutrition
Spermatogenesis
Production of sprematazoa by meiosis
Testosterone
Hormone responsible for secondary sexual characteristics in males
Umbilical Cord
A hollow, rope-like tube which attaches the embryo to the placenta
Umbilical Artery
The blood vessel that carries nitrogenous waste from the foetus to the placenta
Umbilical Vein
The blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the placenta to the foetus
