Term | Definition |
Cell | The smallest unit of life that is able to reproduce itself. |
Sperm | The male sex cell. |
Ovum | The female sex cell; also called the egg. |
Conception | The union of the ovum and sperm cells. |
Zygote | The single cell formed at conception; also called a fertilized egg. |
Fallopian Tubes | Two hollow tubes that connect to the uterus and have fingerlike projections that reach toward each ovary. |
Uterus | The organ in which the baby develops and is protected until birth. |
Genetic Factors | Traits that are passed through the genes. |
Chromosomes | Threadlike structures that carry genes in living cells. |
Dominant Traits | Traits that always show in a person even if only one gene of the pair inherited for that trait. |
Recessive Traits | Traits that typically do not show in a person unless both genes for the trait are inherited. |
Multiple Pregnancy | Pregnancy in which two or more babies develop. |
Fraternal | Term decribing children from multiple pregnancies who develop from two ova and differ in genetic makeup. |
Chorion | Membrane that surrounds the baby in the uterus. |
Idential | Term describing children from multiple pregnancies who develop from one fertilized ovum and have the same genetic makeup. |
Prenatal Development | The development that takes place vetween conception and birth. |
Germinal Stage | The first stage of prenatal development, which lasts about two weeks after conception. |
Amnion | A fluid-filled sac that surrounds the baby in the uterus. |
Placenta | An organ filled with blood vessels that nourishes the baby in the uterus. |
Umbilical Cord | The cord that connects the baby to the placenta. |
Embryonic Stage | The second stage of prenatal development, which lasts about six weeks. |
Embryo | Term used to describe a baby in the embryonic stage of development. |
Cartilage | Soft, elastic, flexible tissue that provides structure for the body. |
Fetal Stage | The third stage of pregnancy, lasting from about nine weeks after conception until birth. |
Fetus | Term used to describe a baby in the fetal stage of development. |
Quickening | Movements of the fetus that can be felt by the mother. |
Age of Viability | The age at which most babies could survive if they were born (28th week of pregnancy). |