bio

• Asexual reproduction


  Mode of reproduction that does not involve the use of gametes or sex cells
• Sporulation


  • Type of asexual reproduction where a new individual forms from an aggregation of cells surrounded by a resistant capsule or spore, which later on germinates
• Fragmentation


  • Type of asexual reproduction where the body breaks into two or more parts, with each fragment capable of becoming a complete individual
• Budding


  • Type of asexual reproduction where a new individual arises as an outgrowth (bud) from its parent, develops organs like those of the parent and then detaches itself
• Fission


  • Type of asexual reproduction involving the division of body into two or more equal parts
• Isogamy


  Fusion of similar gametes which are usually motile
• Heterogamy


  Fusion of dissimilar gametes. In oogamy, a large immotile gamete, the egg is fertilized by a small motile gamete, the sperm
• Bisexual reproduction


  Type of sexual reproduction involving the union of gametes from two genetically different parents
• Hermaphrodite


  An individual with both male and female reproductive tissues. In animals "self fertilization" is not common. In worms, a hermaphrodite needs a male to donate sperms in order to fertilize the oocytes in its body
• Differences between asexual and sexual reproduction

  • Number of parents involved
  • Gametes
  • Genetic composition of offspring
• Dizygotic twins


  Also known as fraternal twins; results from the development of two or more separate fertilization events where the resulting zygotes develop almost simultaneously
• Testis


  Where sperms are produced
• Epididymis


  Where sperms are temporarily stored
• Scrotal sac/scrotum


  Supports the testis and epididymis
• Vas deferens


  Where the sperm passes through from the testis before it joins the urethra
• Urethra


  Connected to the urethra and the urinary bladder; serves as passageway of both sperm and urine and terminates in the external urinary meatus of the penis
• Seminal vesicle


  Secretes fluid that forms part of the semen; secretion gives the semen its alkaline characteristic to counteract the acidity of the vaginal tract and therefore protect the sperm; the fluid also contains sugars like fructose
• Prostate gland


  Secretes fluid that also provides alkalinity to the semen; it also contains proteolytic enzymes, citric acid, phosphatases, and lipids
• Bulbourethral glands


  Paired glands that produce clear, viscous secretion known as pre-ejaculate that helps to lubricate the urethra for sperm to pass through, neutralizing traces of acidic urine in the urethra, and helps flush out any residual urine or foreign matter
• Clitoris


  The homologue (equivalent) of the penis in females
• Vagina

  Main entrance to the female reproductive tract; receives the penis during sexual intercourse
• Cervix


  Where the vagina ends; projection of the uterus into the vagina; leads to the uterus
• Uterus


  Also known as the womb; where the embryo develops; with thick muscular walls, blood vessels; and the endometrial lining
• Endometrial lining/endometrium


  Innermost lining of the uterus where the embryo implants and develop
• Fallopian tubes


  Also known as oviducts; paired tubes that are connected to the uterus and terminate near the ovaries; this is where fertilization takes place
• Ovaries


  Female gonads that release the oocytes during ovulation, which are then caught by the fimbrae of the fallopian tubes in order for the cocytes to pass on to the fallopian tubes
• Morula


  A human blastuls made up of a solid ball of cells
• Blastocyst


  A human blastula composed of the inner cell mass, which becomes the ambryo, and the trophoectoderm, which becomes the placenta
• Implantation


  Process where the blastocyst implants itself in the endometrium; this signals the start of pregnancy
• Gestation


  Carrying of the embryo inside the female reproductive tract, specifically the uterus; can last up to 9 months in humans
• Human embryo


  Corresponds to the first two months of gestation
• Human fetus


  Corresponds to the months 3-9 of human gestation
• Follicular phase


  Part of the menstrual cycle of the ovary in humans where the follicles begin to mature; it is marked by secretions of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and the leutinizing hormone (LH) by the anterior pituitary gland and the estrogen by the ovaries; both FSH and LH stimulate the maturation of the cocytes while estrogen stimulates uterine lining growth in preparation for implantation of the embryo
• Luteal phase


  Part of the menstrual cycle of the ovary after the oocytes are released from the follicles; the remains of the follicle become the corpus luteum, which then secretes progesterone, which stimulates the uterus to undergo final maturational changes that prepare it for gestation to house and nourish an embryo
• Menstrual phase


  Part of the menstrual cycle of the uterus; also known as the "period"; corresponds to the early part of the follicular phase of the ovaries (days 1-5) when endometrium degenerates and sloughs off, producing the menstrual discharge
• Proliferative phase


  Part of the menstrual cycle of the uterus; corresponds to the latter part of the follicular phase of the ovaries (days 8-14) when the endometrium heals and begins to thicken as a consequence of estrogen secretion
• Secretory phase


  Part of the menstrual cycle of the uterus; corresponds to the luteal phase of the ovaries; the endometrium undergoes final changes before it receives the embryo during implantation
• Contraception


  Process that blocks any one of the following stages of reproduction in humans: (1) release and transport of gametes; (2) fertilization; (3) implantation; (4) actual completion of development of the embryo/fetus
• Ovulation-suppressing methods


  Type of contraception that prevents the oocyte to mature
• Oral contraceptives


  Type of contraception taken in by women to prevent them from ovulating