O&N terms relating to pregnancy

Question 1

gamete

Answer 1

mature germ cell, either sperm or ovum

Question 2

conception

Answer 2

beginning of pregnancy, when the sperm enters the ovum. Conception normally occurs in the uterine tubes

Question 3

zygote

Answer 3

cell formed by the union of the sperm and ovum

Question 4

embryo

Answer 4

unborn offspring in the stage of development from implantation of the zygote to the end of the eighth week of pregnancy. This period is characterized by rapid growth of the embryo

Question 5

fetus

Answer 5

unborn offspring from the beginning of the ninth week of pregnancy until birth

Question 6

gestation

Answer 6

development of a new individual from conception to birth (aka pregnancy)

Question 7

gestation period

Answer 7

duration of pregnancy; normally 38 to 42 weeks, which can be divided into three equal periods, called trimesters

Question 8

implantation

Answer 8

embedding of the zygote in the uterine lining. The process normally begins about 7 days after fertilization and continues for several days

Question 9

placenta

Answer 9

structure that grows on the wall of the uterus during pregnancy and allows for nourishment of the fetus

Question 10

amniotic sac

Answer 10

membranous bag that surrounds the fetus before delivery

Question 11

chorion

Answer 11

outermost layer of the fetal membrane

Question 12

amnion

Answer 12

innermost layer of the fetal membrane

Question 13

amniotic fluid

Answer 13

fluid within the amniotic sac, which surrounds the fetus

Question 14

umbilicus

Answer 14

navel (belly button); marks the site of attachment of the umbilical cord to the fetus