Human Reproduction 1
Found at the tip of the sperm above the nucleus. It contains
enzymes that break down the jelly coat surrounding the female egg
thus allowing the sperm nucleus entry into the egg.
A method of testing the foetus in the uterus (womb) for
chromosomal disorders. A sample of amniotic fluid is withdrawn
from the uterus using a needle and the fluid and foetal cells it
contains are analysed.
acrosome
amniocentesis
A fluid-filled sac/bag, found in the uterus of pregnant females,
containing the developing embryo.
amniotic sac
Holds the erect penis during intercourse. Also, the new baby arrives
into the world from the uterus (womb) through here.
birth canal /
vagina
Suckling a child at mother's breast. It gives a baby the best possible
start in life.
breast-feeding
Finger-like projections of the chorion of the embryo.
chorionic villi
The first milk produced by a mammal after parturition (birth). It is a
thick, yellowish liquid containing proteins and antibodies, and is
colostrum
later replaced by breast milk.
The act of preventing the fertilisation of an egg or implantation or
pregnancy. Different methods include: natural, mechanical, chemical contraception
and surgical.
Situated below the prostate and is involved in the manufacture of
seminal fluid and provides nourishment and a medium for sperm to Cowper’s gland
swim.
Outer of the three primary germ layers. Gives rise to skin, hair and
nails.
ectoderm
Fertilised egg or immature animal in uterus (up to eight weeks in
humans).
embryo
Sperm storage organ in the male testes.
epididymis
All the organs involved in gamete formation, copulation, fertilisation
and development of the young in the female.
female
reproductive
system
An egg whose nucleus has joined with the nucleus of a male gamete.
fertilised egg /
zygote
Fluid-filled sac in the ovary in which the egg develops.
follicle
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Any cell which must fuse with another cell in order to produce a new
individual. A haploid reproductive cell, i.e. it contains half the
required genetic information for the formation of a new individual
or half the somatic number of chromosomes (in humans = 23), e.g.
sperm cell, egg.
gamete
Length of time from conception to birth, i.e. length of pregnancy,
gestation period
carrying foetus in womb (uterus). In humans = 40 weeks or 266 days.
Hormone secreted by an implanting fertilised egg (blastocyst). It
maintains the corpus luteum in the ovary (until the ninth week of
the gestation period, after which the placenta takes over) and
prevents the breakdown of the endometrium. The analysis of urine
for the presence of this hormone is used to confirm pregnancy.
The inability to produce sufficient gametes and conceive or produce
children. May be caused by a low sperm count or low sperm mobility
in males, blocked fallopian tubes in females or endocrine gland
failure in either or both.
HCG / human
chorionic
gonadotrophin
infertility
Growth and maturing of embryo or foetus within the uterus or
womb.
intrauterine
development
An event or process occurring inside a living organism, e.g.
fertilisation.
in-vivo
Cells found between the seminiferous tubules of the testis, which
secrete testosterone.
Leydig cells
Period in a woman’s life between the ages of 40 and 50 during which
menopause
menstruation stops.
The middle layer of the three primary germ layers of a triploblastic
organism, from which muscles, skeleton, kidneys, etc. develop.
A female sex hormone produced by the ovaries.
· Stimulates proliferation of uterine wall (endometrium).
· Inhibits FSH production.
· Stimulates LH production, and
· Maintains the female secondary sexual characteristics.
In animals, female reproductive organ producing eggs and is also an
endocrine gland producing the hormones oestrogen and
progesterone.
mesoderm
oestrogen
ovary
The male urinogenital organ, i.e. used in excretion and copulation.
Eliminates urine through the urethra and deposits sperm in vagina.
penis
Carrying developing young in womb (uterus).
pregnancy
A hormone produced by the anterior lobe of the pituitary, which
stimulates milk production in mammary glands (breasts) and inhibits
FSH production by the pituitary.
prolactin
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The ability of an organism to produce new individuals of its own kind
by either sexual or asexual means and pass on genetic information
to the next generation.
The physical characteristics that appear during puberty and
adolescence. In the male they include the broadening of the
shoulders, growth and enlargement of the penis, deepening of the
voice, body and facial hair, etc. In the female they include
enlargement and growth of the breasts, growth of body hair under
arms and pubic regions.
reproduction
secondary sexual
characteristics
Small coiled tubes in the testes that produce sperm by meiosis.
seminiferous
tubules
Reproduction involving the production, transfer and union of sex
cells or gametes and development of the embryo. Two parents
involved (plant or animal), one male and one female.
sexual
reproduction
The male organ that at maturity produces gametes (sperm). Also an
endocrine gland that produces the hormone testosterone.
testis
Surface layer of cells of blastocyst, part of which forms the placenta.
trophoblast
Technique used where very high frequency sound waves are passed
into the body and the echo which returns is converted into a visible
picture of the internal organs. Used on women during pregnancy to
monitor embryo and foetal development.
ultrasound
scanning
Holds the erect penis during intercourse. Also birth canal, i.e. new
baby arrives into the world from the uterus (womb) through here.
vagina
Any disease that is passed on through sexual intercourse.
venereal disease
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