MGSLG. (2020). Terminology
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Biological term |
Description |
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Acrosome |
The vesicle which contains enzymes found in the head of a sperm cell |
|
Amniotic fluid |
A fluid that protects the human embryo against injuries and large-scale temperature changes |
|
Blastocyst/blastula |
A hollow ball of cells formed from the zygote |
|
Chorion |
The outermost membrane found around the embryo/foetus |
|
Copulation |
The introduction of the male sex organ into the female sex canal, followed by a discharge of semen. |
|
Endometrium |
The inner lining of the uterus where implantation of the embryo occurs |
|
Fallopian tube |
Part of the female reproductive system where fertilisation occurs |
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Fertilization |
When the nucleus of the sperm cell fuses with the nucleus of the ovum |
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Follicle stimulating hormone/FSH |
The hormone responsible for the development of follicles in the ovary |
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Gestation |
The period between fertilization and birth when the foetus develops in the womb |
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Implantation |
The attachment of the fertilized egg or blastocyst to the wall of the uterus at the start of pregnancy. |
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Luteinising hormone/LH |
The hormone responsible for ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum |
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Oestrogen |
The hormone that causes the thickening of the endometrium and is produced by the Graafian follicle |
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Oogenesis |
The production of female gametes through meiosis |
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Prolactin |
A hormone produced by the pituitary gland/hypophysis that stimulates milk production in human females |
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Puberty |
The stage in humans when sexual maturity is reached in males and females |
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Spermatogenesis |
The production of male gametes through meiosis |
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Testosterone |
A hormone that stimulates the maturation of sperm and stimulates puberty in males |
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Vas deferens |
The male reproductive tube that connects the testis with the urethra |
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Zygote |
The diploid cell formed by the process of fertilisation |