Defintions

corpus luteum: A small yellow structure developing within the ruptured ovarian follicle after the egg has been released.

epididymis: a coiled tube attached to the back of each testis where sperm mature

gonad: an organ that produces gametes (ova and sperm

meiosis: cell division by which eggs and sperm are produced.

oocyte: Unfertilized egg cell

ovary: female gonad which manufactures estrogens and eggs

placenta: A structure attached to the wall of the uterus to nourish the fetus during pregnancy

scrotum: The sac of skin that surrounds the testicles.

seminiferous tubule: any of the numerous long convoluted tubules in the testis which are the sites where spermatozoa mature

testis: a male's testes are located in a pouch that hangs suspended outside his body. The testes produce testosterone and sperm

vulva : The external female genital organs, including the clitoris, vaginal lips and the opening to the vagina.

blastocyst : The preimplantation embryo of mammals consisting of a sphere of cells with an outer cell layer that forms the placenta and a cluster of cells on the interior called the inner cell mass that forms the embryo.

embryo: In humans, the developing individual from the time of implantation to about the end of the second month after conception

fetus: An animal in the later stage of development before birth. In humans, the fetal stage is the from the end of the third month until birth

implantation: The embedding of the fertilized egg in the endometrium of the uterus.

lactation: Secretion or formation of milk by the mammary glands.

umbilical cord : the cord that connects the fetus to the maternal placenta, providing nutrients and removing wastes

yolk sac: where the embryo develops

zygote: A cell formed by the union of two gametes

ultrasound: A procedure in which high-energy sound waves are bounced off internal tissues or organs and make echoes.