Human Embryonic Development and Reproductive Anatomy

The process where a sperm cell undergoes changes within the female reproductive tract to become capable of fertilizing an egg.

Rapid cell division of a fertilized egg, starting in the oviduct, ultimately forming a hollow ball of cells called the blastocyst.

The process of the blastocyst attaching to the uterine wall, which marks the beginning of pregnancy.

The formation of the three germ layers, endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm, from the bilaminar embryonic disc, leading to the development of various tissues and organs.

The process of forming the nervous system from the ectoderm, starting with the neural tube, which further develops into the brain and spinal cord.

The primary male sex organ responsible for producing sperm and testosterone.

Tiny, coiled tubes inside the testes where sperm cells are produced.

A pouch of skin that holds the testes and helps regulate their temperature for optimal sperm production.

The external organ involved in urination and the delivery of semen.

The tube that carries both urine and semen from the bladder and prostate gland to the outside.

The part of the penis responsible for the release of semen.

A small gland that produces a fluid that contributes to semen.

A pair of glands near the prostate that contribute to semen and are a source of pleasure during sex.

The outer layer of the three germ layers, it gives rise to the nervous system, epidermis, and neural crest-derived tissues.

The middle layer of the three germ layers, it gives rise to the notochord, axial skeleton, cartilage, connective tissue, trunk muscles, kidneys, and blood.

The innermost layer of the three germ layers, it gives rise to the gastrointestinal, respiratory, urinary systems, and endocrine glands.

A set of membranes that envelop the fetus, located on the uterine endometrial layer.

The outermost membrane that surrounds the embryo, formed from layers of trophoblast and extra-embryonic mesoderm.

Finger-like extensions of the chorion that penetrate into uterine tissue to facilitate gas, blood, and waste exchange between the embryo and the mother.

The sac that completely surrounds the embryo and secretes amniotic fluid, formed from a combination of ectoderm and mesoderm.

A small vascularized sac originating from the yolk sac, it stores urinary waste and helps with nutrient and gas exchange.

A small, membranous structure that helps form the umbilical blood vessels, produces nourishment, circulates gases, and generates cells for the umbilical cord, blood cells, and reproductive organs.

The vital link between maternal and embryonic systems, composed of fetal portion with chorionic villi and maternal portion with decidua basalis.

The connecting cord between the embryo and placenta, supplying oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood and returning deoxygenated, nutrient-depleted blood.

The period of pregnancy.

The process of childbirth.

A process involving hormonal changes that lead to the expulsion of milk from the breast.

Oval-shaped organs responsible for producing sperm cells and testosterone.

These are the two protective layers surrounding the testes: the outer tunica vaginalis and the inner tunica albuginea, which extends inward as septa.

These are wedge-shaped compartments within the testes, each containing highly coiled seminiferous tubules where meiosis occurs.

The lining of the seminiferous tubules, composed of Sertoli cells that support and nourish developing sperm cells and germ cells that undergo meiosis to produce sperm.

A highly coiled tube within each lobule of the testes, responsible for the production of sperm cells through meiosis.

A comma-shaped organ attached to the posterior side of the testes, responsible for the storage, protection, and maturation of sperm cells.

A muscular tube that transports mature sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.

This sac-like gland located behind the bladder contributes a significant amount of fluid to the semen, which includes fructose for energy, prostaglandins for uterine contractions, citric acid, and vesiculase.

The clitoris is a small, sensitive nub of flesh located at the top of the vulva, covered by a fold of skin called the prepuce. It contains sweat and oil-secreting glands, which produce lubricating secretions during sexual arousal and orgasm. The clitoris also plays a role in protecting the vulva from injury.

The labia minora are small, folds of skin located on either side of the vaginal opening. They help protect the vaginal opening, aid in urination, contribute to sexual function, absorb shock, and provide cushioning during intercourse.

The vagina is a muscular canal lined with mucous membranes, which secrete fluids that keep the vagina moist. It plays a crucial role in sexual intercourse, menstrual flow, and childbirth.

The cervix is the lower part of the uterus. It connects the uterus to the vagina. It allows sperm to enter the uterus, menstrual blood to exit, and expands during childbirth.

The fallopian tubes are two tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus. They provide a passageway for the egg to travel from the ovary to the uterus and are the site of fertilization. The fallopian tubes have finger-like structures called fimbriae that catch the egg after its release from the ovary.

This is the stage in the menstrual cycle where the lining of the uterus (endometrium) sheds resulting in bleeding. It occurs when the corpus luteum, a temporary structure in the ovary, degenerates and stops producing progesterone, a hormone essential for maintaining the uterine lining.

A yellowish body that forms in the ovary after an egg is released. It produces progesterone, which helps prepare the uterus for a potential pregnancy.

A hormone primarily produced by the corpus luteum in the ovary. It plays a major role in preparing the uterus for pregnancy, helps regulate menstruation, and thickens cervical mucus to prevent infection.

The inner lining of the uterus. It thickens and becomes ready for implantation of a fertilized egg. During menstruation, the endometrium is shed if pregnancy does not occur.

The primary female sex hormone produced by the ovaries. It plays a vital role in regulating the menstrual cycle, supporting female reproductive health, and influencing various bodily functions.