Human Reproduction Flashcards
Secondary sexual characteristics
Features that distinguish males from females, but are not part of the reproductive system.
Menstrual cycle
A series of cyclical changes that occur in the female reproductive system over a 28-day period
Follicular phase (days 1-13)
- The shedding of the lining of the endometrium. (Menstruation)
- The lining of the uterus regenerates and the egg in the ovary develops. (Proliferative stage)
- FSH secretes from the pituitary
- New graafian follicles form in the ovaries.
- Oestrogen levels become critical.
- The pituitary gland produces LH.
Ovulation(day 14)
- Egg released from the ovary because of LH
- Graafian follicle becomes corpus luteum.
- Oestrogen levels decrease slightly
Luteal phase(days 15-28)
- corpus luteum secretes progesterone and a small amount of oestrogen.
- Progesterone retains the endometrium to the end of the cycle.
- Corpus luteum degenerates progesterone and oestrogen levels drop
Fibroids
Benign tumours that grow in the muscular wall of the uterus
Copulation
The insertion of an erect penis into the vagina
Orgasm
Occurs when sexual arousal reaches a climax.
Ejaculation
The release of semen from the penis.
Fertilisation
The fusion of a haploid sperm cell with a haploid egg cell to produce a diploid zygote.
Fertile period
The time at which the female is most likely to become pregnant
Implantation
The embedding of the embryo into the lining of the uterus.
Placenta
- An organ made from embryonic and uterine tissue which forms in the uterus during pregnancy
- Provides a link between the mother and child.
Haemolytic reaction
Mix of blood types
Morula
A ball of undifferentiated cells that forms as a result of mitosis.
Blastocyst
A fluid filled sac containing an inner cell mass (ICM) that gives rise to the embryo.
Trophoblast
The outer layer of the blastocyst.
Stages of Childbirth
- Labour:
- The pituitary secretes Oxytocin
- Contractions of the uterus
- Amniotic sac bursts, amniotic fluid released. - Parturition:
- The cervix is dilated
- The baby passes out from the vagina. - Afterbirth:
- Continued contractions of the uterus.
- The placenta passes from the uterus a few minutes afterbirth
Lactation
The production and secretion of milk by the breasts of the female in response to the hormone Prolactin.
Breast Feeding
The feeding of a baby/infant directly from the breast.
Birth Control
Procedures taken to control the number of offspring produced.
Abortion
The physical removal of a foetus from the uterus.
Contraception
- The intentional prevention of pregnancy
- Stopping fertilisation or implantation from occurring
Infertility
The inability to contribute to conception.