Human Reproduction 2
Period of time between childhood and adulthood; person growing up, maturing. / adolescenceFluid-filled membrane surrounding foetus (developing baby) in the uterus (womb). / amnion
The artificial positioning of sperm into the genital tract of the female to encourage fertilisation and implantation. / artificial insemination (AI)
Limiting the number of children born. / birth control
Neck or neck-like structure, e.g. neck of womb (uterus). Ring of muscle to retain developing embryo. / cervix
Removal of the foreskin in males for medical or religious reasons or the removal of the female clitoris for religious reasons. / circumcision
The very beginning of a pregnancy when an egg is fertilised by a sperm, develops into a blastocyst and is implanted in the wall of the womb (uterus), i.e. fertilisation followed by implantation. / conception
A process of introducing sperm into the female’s reproductive system. / copulation
Widen, open up, expand, e.g. happens to the cervix prior to giving birth. / dilate
Sphere-shaped body produced by female, containing germ of new individual. Capable of developing into new individual when fertilised by male sperm. After ovulation it can be fertilised for a period of about 48 hours. / egg
The innermost of the primary germ layers. Gives rise to the linings of the alimentary canal, trachea and bronchi. / endoderm
Tube that joins the ovary and the uterus and transfers the egg to the uterus. Fertilisation usually occurs here. / fallopian tube / oviduct
A short time during which it is possible for a sperm to fertilise an egg, e.g. in a 28 day menstrual cycle, ovulation occurs on day 14. Sperm can survive for about 48 hours in the female body. The egg is capable of being fertilised for about 48 hours after ovulation. If sexual intercourse occurs between days 12 and 16 it is possible that fertilisation could occur. / fertile period
Benign (non-cancerous) growths in the endometrium. They range in size from a pea to an orange. Consist of muscle and connective (fibrous) tissue and grow slowly in the uterine wall. Mostly occurring in women over 30, often multiple and cause discomfort. Thought to be associated with the levels of oestrogen. Oral contraceptives containing oestrogen can cause them to enlarge. / fibroids
Sex hormone produced by the anterior lobe of the pituitary. Stimulates sperm production in the male, and egg and oestrogen production in the female. / follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
External organs of reproduction – sex organs. / genitals
An animal organ that produces gametes, e.g. testis in the male and ovary in the female. / gonad
Process by which the blastocyst attaches itself to, and becomes embedded in, the lining of the uterus (endometrium). This process may be attempted artificially as part of in-vitro fertilisation for the treatment of infertility. / implantation
The positioning of sperm into the genital tract of the female to encourage fertilisation and implantation. Done artificially or with the erect penis during sexual intercourse. / insemination
A plastic and copper device used as a method of contraception. It is inserted into the uterus (womb) and it prevents implantation of a fertilized egg. It is about 90% effective. / intrauterine device
Pains of giving birth (parturition) caused by contractions of the uterus. / labour
Sex hormone produced by the posterior lobe of the pituitary. Causes ovulation in the female on day 14 of a 28 day menstrual cycle and stimulates the corpus luteum to produce progesterone. In the male it stimulates the testes to produce testosterone. / luteinising hormone / LH
A series of cyclical changes undergone by the uterus in preparation for receiving a fertilised egg. Takes about 28 days in the human female, controlled by hormones. / menstrual cycle
A solid mass of cells resulting from a series of mitotic divisions of a fertilised egg, before the blastocyst stage. / morula
Pleasurable sensation felt by males while ejaculating and by females when clitoris or vagina is stimulated. / orgasm
The release of an egg (ovum) from the Graafian follicle of the ovary into the fallopian tube. / ovulation
A tablet that contains the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, taken daily, to prevent ovulation. / pill (contraceptive)
Physical characteristics or features that distinguish males and females at their birth. / primary sexual characteristics
Becoming capable of reproduction through natural development of the reproductive system. / puberty
All the organs involved in gamete formation, fertilisation and development of the young. / reproductive system
Seminal fluid produced by the male that contains the sperm, together with fluid from the seminal vesicles, prostate gland and Cowper’s gland. / semen
Hormones produced in the gonads which promote the development and maintenance of the secondary sexual characteristics and structures. They also prepare the female for pregnancy, and aid in gamete formation. Males produce testosterone and females produce oestrogen and progesterone. / sex hormones
A mature male haploid gamete. They can survive for about 48 hours inside the human female reproductive system. / sperm
A hormone produced by the testes. Stimulates male secondary sexual characteristics. / testosterone
The cutting and tying, or removal of part of, the fallopian tubes for sterilisation of the female. / tubal ligation
Tube-like structure containing blood vessels which connects a foetus to the placenta in the uterus (womb). / umbilical cord
Transports sperm from epididymis to urethra. / vas deferens
Area surrounding and protecting the external opening of the vagina. / vulva
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