Developmental biologyLesson 1 of 2 in the course Animal Reproduction and Development

Human Reproduction: Pregnancy, Birth, Contraception, and Infertility

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Pregnancy begins when an egg is fertilized and continues through birth. In this lesson, you will follow the early stages of pregnancy, learn how the placenta supports development, and compare the major changes across the three trimesters.

About 24 hours before fertilization, the egg completes meiosis and becomes a mature oocyte. When a sperm fertilizes it, the cell is called a zygote. The zygote travels along the oviduct toward the uterus as it begins dividing.

All flashcards

Implantation
The process by which a developing blastocyst attaches to and becomes embedded in the uterine lining.
β-HCG in early pregnancy
Released by the chorion, β-HCG keeps the corpus luteum active so it continues producing progesterone.
Placenta
The main exchange organ between the pregnant person and fetus; it also passes some immunoglobulins and produces hormones.
Parturition
The physical process of expelling the fetus and placenta from the uterus.
Sterilization
A highly effective contraceptive approach, such as vasectomy or tubal ligation, considered permanent.

Quiz questions

  1. During labor, what makes contractions an example of positive feedback?Answer: Contractions increase cervical stimulation, prompting further oxytocin release and stronger contractions.
  2. Which sequence correctly describes the three stages of labor?Answer: Cervical dilation, delivery of the baby, then delivery of the placenta.
  3. Which hormone stimulates the mammary glands to produce milk?Answer: Prolactin
  4. What does a typical-use contraceptive failure rate describe?Answer: Pregnancies occurring during 12 months of real-world use.
  5. How does intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) assist fertilization?Answer: A sperm is injected directly into an egg.

Based on Biology 2e by Mary Ann Clark, Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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