Vocabulary list Flashcards
Define mitosis
Mitosis is a form of cell division and is a continuous process. It is responsible for the repair, replacement and growth
Define gametes
Is a sperm or egg cell
Define Gonads
A sex organ - testes or an ovary
Define zygote
The fertilised egg from which a new individual develops
Define Gametogenesis
The formation and development of gametes
Define Blastocyst
A hollow ball of cells formed during early embryonic development
Define Primary sex organ
The organs that produce gametes; testes and ovaries
Define Secondary sex organ
Organs essential for reproduction but which do not produce gametes
Define Ovarian cycle
The regular series of events that take place an ovary of a non-pregnant female
Define Ovulation
The release of an egg from the follicle
Define Menstrual cycle
The regular series of changes that take place at the endometrium of a non-pregnant female
Define Follicle stimulating hormone
A hormone that stimulates the development of a follicle in the ovary
Define Luteinizing hormone
A hormone that promotes the final maturation o the ovarian follicle and the formation of the corpus luteum
Define Mencarhe
Is the very first time a female has a menstrual cycle, this occurs at puberty
Define Puberty
The period during which a person becomes sexually mature
Define Fertilisation
Is the fusion of a sperm and egg
Define Embryo
The early stage of development of an organism, in humans, from fertilisation to the end of the 8th week of pregnancy
Define Foetus
The developing individual after the second month of pregnancy
Define Gestation
The period of development of an organism in the uterus, the time between conception and birth
Define Parturition
The process of birth
Define differentiation
The process by which unspecialised cells develop special characteristics to suit their function
Define stem cells
Cells that have the ability to produce different types of body cells
Define Totoipotent
A stem cell capable to create any type of cell necessary for embryonic development (any part of the embryo and surrounding membranes)
Define Pluripotent
Stem cells that are capable to give to many, but not all cell types necessary for foetal development (any part of the embryo)
Define Multipotent
Stem cells that give rise to cells with a specific function
