Sexual Reproduction In Humans Flashcards
Acrosome
An organelle in the tip of sperm containing hydrolase enzymes which digest the zona pellucida of a secondary oocyte
Amniotic fluid
The liquid that surrounds the embryo in the amniotic sac that protects the foetus and acts as a shock absorber.
Blastocyst
A ball of cells that arises from the repeated mitotic divisions (cleavage) of a zygote.
Cervix
A neck of tissue that connects the uterus and the vagina and protects the fetus
Chorionic villi
Finger-like projections that arise from part of the placenta known as the chorion and provide a large surface area for the exchange of products between maternal and fetal blood.
Corona radiata
An outer layer of follicular cells that protect the secondary oocyte in the oviduct
Corpus luteum
A mass of cells that forms from the Graafian follicle after ovulation. It serves as a temporary endocrine structure during pregnancy, secreting progesterone.
Cortical granules
Secretory organelles found in oocytes that, upon entry of a sperm, fuse with the plasma membrane and harden the zona pellucida to prevent polyspermy.
