Session 1 Terminology

Question 1

Define Zygote

Answer 1

A fertilised ovum/oocyte

Question 2

Define cleavage

Answer 2

The dividing of cells into two masses known as blastomeres.

Question 3

Define Zona Pellucida

Answer 3

The glycoprotein ‘shell’ of the ovum to prevent polyspermy

Question 4

Define Morula

Answer 4

The result of cleavage of the fertilised oocyte, each cell is Totipotent

Question 5

Define Ovary

Answer 5

The female reproductive organ producing oocytes/eggs for fertilisation

Question 6

Define Uterus

Answer 6

Female reproductive organ where implantation of the zygote and growth of the embryo occurs

Question 7

Define Blastocyst

Answer 7

Formed from the compaction of cells that make up the morula. Made up of:

• Trophoblast
• Embryoblast
• Blastocyst Cavity

Question 8

Define Trophoblast

Answer 8

Outer cell mass of the blastocyst that will later form support structures for the embryo (placenta)

Question 9

Define Embryoblast

Answer 9

Inner cell mass of the blastocyst that will later become the bilaminar disk

Question 10

Define Implantation

Answer 10

The attachment of the Blastocyst to the wall of the uterus at day 6 – 7. Ideal site of implantation is posterior uterine wall

Question 11

Define Cytotrophoblast

Answer 11

Placental membrane around the yolk sac

Question 12

Define Synctiotrophoblast

Answer 12

Cells that invade maternal sinusoids resulting in uteroplacental circulation.

Question 13

What is the connecting stalk?

Answer 13

The Connecting Stalk suspends the embryo and its cavities in the chorionic cavity.

The connecting stalk is a column of mesoderm, and is the future umbilical cord.

Question 14

Define Epiblast

Answer 14

Upper cell mass of bilaminar disc

Question 15

Define Hypoblast

Answer 15

Lower cell mass of bilaminar disc