Biology Chapter: Gamete Production and Fertilization

The process of creating reproductive cells, sperm in males and eggs in females.

Male reproductive cells, produced in the testes.

Male organs that produce sperm and testosterone.

Cell division process used to create gametes.

Tubules in the testes where sperm are produced.

The release of semen from the penis.

Male hormone crucial for sperm production and male characteristics.

The organs and structures involved in female reproduction.

The transition period during which a person becomes sexually mature, involving changes to the reproductive organs and the body's development.

The start of puberty triggered by hormonal changes, leading to sexual maturation.

The stage of development where a person is capable of reproduction.

The process of creating sperm cells in the male reproductive system.

The monthly shedding of the lining of the uterus in females, releasing blood and tissue.

The appearance of physical traits associated with sexual maturity, such as breast development in females and beard growth in males.

A female hormone that plays a key role in female development and reproduction.

A female hormone involved in regulating the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

The short period during a woman's menstrual cycle when she can become pregnant, typically lasting 1-2 days.

A fluid produced by the cervix that changes in texture and amount throughout the menstrual cycle, becoming thinner and more watery during ovulation.

The release of a mature egg from the ovary, typically occurring around day 14 of the menstrual cycle.

A fertility treatment that uses drugs to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.

A fertility treatment where sperm is collected and inserted directly into a woman's uterus using methods other than intercourse.

A fertility treatment where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg.

A condition where a man produces a lower than average number of sperm.

A man who provides sperm to be used for insemination or ICSI in fertility treatment.

A technique where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg using a fine glass needle. This is used when sperm are defective or there's a low sperm count.

A process where eggs are surgically removed from a woman's ovary after hormone treatment. The eggs are then mixed with sperm in a lab dish and fertilized. After they reach a certain stage, the fertilized eggs (embryos) are implanted into the woman's uterus.

A genetic test conducted on embryos created through IVF before implantation to check for single gene or chromosomal disorders.

Methods used to prevent pregnancy.

A small device placed in the uterus to prevent implantation of a fertilized egg. It can be made of copper or plastic.

Physical methods of contraception that block sperm from reaching the egg. Examples include condoms and cervical caps.

A hormonal contraceptive containing synthetic progesterone and estrogen. It prevents ovulation and implantation by inhibiting the release of FSH and LH from the pituitary gland.

Used if other contraceptive methods fail. It contains high levels of synthetic progesterone and estrogen to prevent both ovulation and implantation. It also thickens cervical mucus to block sperm.

An ultrasound scan typically performed between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy to check for serious birth defects in the fetus.

Blood and urine tests during pregnancy that analyze levels of specific proteins and chemicals produced by the placenta and the fetus to identify potential medical conditions.

Specialized tests using samples from the placenta, amniotic fluid, or fetal blood to investigate chromosomal or genetic abnormalities in the fetus.

A diagnostic procedure where a sample of amniotic fluid is extracted using a needle between weeks 15-20 of pregnancy to detect abnormalities in the fetus, primarily in the brain and spinal cord.

A diagnostic procedure used to detect congenital abnormalities, offered to women with a family history of genetic conditions or abnormal blood test results, involving taking a tissue sample from the placenta between weeks 10-13.

A visual representation of an individual's chromosomes arranged in homologous pairs to analyze and diagnose chromosomal abnormalities.

A dating scan uses ultrasound to estimate the gestational age of the fetus and predict the estimated due date.

Dating scans are crucial to ensure accurate timing for other prenatal tests and procedures, as incorrect gestational age can lead to false results and missed diagnosis.

A diagram that shows the inheritance of a trait over multiple generations within a family. It helps determine the probability of inheriting a genetic condition.

A pattern of inheritance where two copies of a defective gene are needed for a condition to manifest. The condition may skip generations.

A pattern where one copy of the defective gene is enough for the condition to appear. It is present in every generation.

A pattern where the heterozygous state shows a mixed effect, neither fully dominant nor fully recessive.

A pattern where a defective gene on the X chromosome causes a condition mostly in males. The mother acts as a carrier.

A genetic disorder caused by a dominant allele on chromosome 4. It leads to progressive decline in brain function.

A genetic disorder caused by a defective allele on chromosome 11. It leads to deformed red blood cells.

A genetic condition caused by a recessive allele affecting melanin production, resulting in lack of pigment in skin, hair and eyes.