Reproduction and Development

Science

A developing mammal embryo that consists of a hollow ball of cells

Blastocyst

A developing mammal embryo that consists of a hollow ball of cells. Blastocyst. In simple terms, a blastocyst is an early stage in mammalian development when the embryo is a tiny, hollow ball of cells ready to implant in the uterus.

An ovarian follicle after ovulation, also called a yellow body for its yellow color

Corpus luteum

An ovarian follicle after ovulation, also called a yellow body for its yellow color, is known as the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum is a temporary structure in the ovary that produces hormones to support early pregnancy.

The coiled tube in the scrotum where sperm matures and is stored

Epididymis

The coiled tube in the scrotum where sperm matures and is stored. Epididymis. The epididymis is a long, coiled tube that stores and matures sperm cells in the male reproductive system.

A tube that eggs use to move from an ovary to the uterus

Fallopian tube

A tube that eggs use to move from an ovary to the uterus. Fallopian tube. The fallopian tube is a part of the female reproductive system that carries eggs from the ovary to the uterus.

A developing human from the eighth week of pregnancy until birth

Fetus

A developing human from the eighth week of pregnancy until birth. Fetus. A fetus is an unborn baby that is growing inside the mother's womb.

Grouping of ovary cells in which eggs develop

Follicle

Grouping of ovary cells in which eggs develop. Follicle. In science, a follicle is a small sac in the ovaries where an egg matures.

The cell migration process that forms a third layer within the blastocyst cavity

Gastrulation

The cell migration process that forms a third layer within the blastocyst cavity. Gastrulation. Gastrulation is when an embryo's cells reorganize to form three basic layers, which are essential for developing different tissues and organs.

The process by which a blastocyst embeds itself in the lining of the uterus

Implantation

The process by which a blastocyst embeds itself in the lining of the uterus. Implantation. It is when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterus to begin pregnancy.

The changes in the female reproductive system where an ovary releases an egg and the uterus prepares to receive it

Menstrual cycle

The changes in the female reproductive system where an ovary releases an egg and the uterus prepares to receive it. Menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle is the monthly process where a woman's body prepares for pregnancy.

The discharge of blood, uterus lining, and the unfertilized egg through the vagina

Menstruation

The discharge of blood, uterus lining, and the unfertilized egg through the vagina. Menstruation is the body's way of shedding the uterine lining when pregnancy doesn't occur.

The female reproductive organ that produces eggs

Ovary

The female reproductive organ that produces eggs. Ovary. An ovary is a small organ in the female body that produces and releases eggs and hormones like estrogen.

The release of an egg from an ovary into a fallopian tube

Ovulation

The release of an egg from an ovary into a fallopian tube. Ovulation. It is when a woman's body releases an egg for possible fertilization.

An organ that connects a fetus to its mother, providing it with nutrients and removing waste

Placenta

An organ that connects a fetus to its mother, providing it with nutrients and removing waste. Placenta. The placenta is an organ that nourishes a growing baby and eliminates its waste while in the womb.

The period of growth during which sexual maturity is reached

Puberty

The period of growth during which sexual maturity is reached. Puberty. Puberty is when a child's body develops into an adult body capable of reproduction.

The organs used in sexual reproduction, like the uterus in females and testes in males

Reproductive system

The organs used in sexual reproduction, like the uterus in females and testes in males, reproductive system. The reproductive system is the group of organs and structures that work together to enable reproduction and produce offspring.

The sac outside the male body, that contains the testes

Scrotum

The sac outside the male body, that contains the testes. Scrotum. The scrotum is a pouch of skin that houses and protects the testes, helping to regulate their temperature for optimal sperm production.

A mixture of sperm and seminal fluid, produced by the male reproductive system

Semen

A mixture of sperm and seminal fluid, produced by the male reproductive system. Semen is a fluid that carries sperm from the male body for reproduction.

One of the many tubes in the testes where sperm develop

Seminiferous tubule

One of the many tubes in the testes where sperm develop. Seminiferous tubule. These are tiny structures in the testes where sperm cells are formed and mature.

A disease that is spread through sexual contact, like AIDS or herpes

Sexually transmitted disease

A disease that is spread through sexual contact, like AIDS or herpes. Sexually transmitted disease. A sexually transmitted disease STD is an infection that is passed from one person to another through sexual activity.

The male reproductive organs that produce sperm and testosterone

Testes

The male reproductive organs that produce sperm and testosterone. Testes are organs in males that make sperm for reproduction and produce the hormone testosterone.

The ropelike structure that joins the placenta and embryo, it transfers food and oxygen to the embryo

Umbilical cord

The ropelike structure that joins the placenta and embryo, it transfers food and oxygen to the embryo. Umbilical cord. The umbilical cord is a tube that connects a baby to its mother, supplying nutrients and oxygen.

The hollow muscular organ in females, in which a fertilized egg develops

Uterus

The hollow muscular organ in females, in which a fertilized egg develops. The uterus, often called the womb, is where a baby grows during pregnancy.

The duct that takes sperm from the epididymis to the urethra

Vas deferens

The duct that takes sperm from the epididymis to the urethra. Vas deferens. The vas deferens is a tube that carries sperm from where it is stored to where it can leave the body.

The cell formed when a sperm fertilizes an egg

Zygote

The cell formed when a sperm fertilizes an egg is called a zygote. A zygote is the first stage of development for all organisms, forming when egg and sperm cells combine their genetic material.