Glossary

Fatty acid oxidation to form acetyl CoA.

Division of the anterior (ventral) cavity that houses the abdominal viscera.

Digestive organ that food doesn't pass directly through. Includes teeth, tongue, salivary glands, gallbladder, liver, and pancreas.

Starting molecule of the Krebs cycle and end product of β-oxidation.

Release of digestive enzymes by sperm that enables them to burrow through the corona radiata and penetrate the zona pellucida of an oocyte prior to fertilization.

Endocrine gland located at the top of each kidney that is important for the regulation of the stress response, blood pressure and blood volume, water homeostasis, and electrolyte levels.

Also, corticotropin) anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete corticosteroid hormones.

(Also corticotropin releasing hormone, CRH) hormone from the hypothalamus that stimulates adrenocorticotropic hormone release from the anterior pituitary.

Most abundant plasma protein, accounting for most of the osmotic pressure of plasma.

Continuous muscular digestive tube that extends from the mouth to the anus.

Membrane associated with primitive circulation to the developing embryo; source of the first blood cells and germ cells and contributes to the umbilical cord structure.

Alternative forms of a gene that occupy a specific locus on a specific gene.

Transparent membranous sac that encloses the developing fetus and fills with amniotic fluid.

Reactions that build smaller molecules into larger molecules.

Third phase of mitosis, during which sister chromatids separate toward opposite poles, and spindle fibres begin to elongate the cell.

Third phase of meiosis I, during which homologous chromosomes are separated to opposite poles.

The third phase of meiosis II, during which sister chromatids are separated to opposite poles of the cell.

Steroid hormone (the most well-known of which is testosterone) that regulates development of male characteristics.

Substance such as heparin that opposes coagulation.

(Also, vasopressin) hypothalamic hormone that is stored by the posterior pituitary and that signals the kidneys to reabsorb water.

Fluid-filled chamber that characterizes a mature tertiary (antral) follicle.

Highly pigmented, circular area surrounding the raised nipple and containing areolar glands that secrete fluid important for lubrication during suckling.

Very small artery that leads to a capillary.

Portion of the aorta that continues downward past the end of the aortic arch; subdivided into the thoracic aorta and the abdominal aorta.

Protein pore complex on the inner membrane of the mitochondrion that creates ATP.

Death of ovarian follicles.

(Also, left or right bundle branches) specialized myocardial conductile cells that arise from the bifurcation of the atrioventricular bundle and pass through the interventricular septum; lead to the Purkinje fibers and also to the right papillary muscle via the moderator band.

Chromosomes excluding the sex chromosomes.

Pattern of dominant inheritance that corresponds to a gene on one of the 22 autosomal chromosomes.

Pattern of recessive inheritance that corresponds to a gene on one of the 22 autosomal chromosomes.

Chromosomes excluding the sex chromosomes.

Continuation of the subclavian artery as it penetrates the body wall and enters the axillary region; supplies blood to the region near the head of the humerus (humeral circumflex arteries); the majority of the vessel continues into the brachium and becomes the brachial artery.

Term for the conceptus at the developmental stage that consists of about 100 cells shaped into an inner cell mass that is fated to become the embryo and an outer trophoblast that is fated to become the associated fetal membranes and placenta.

Daughter cell of a cleavage.

Mid-portion of the stomach.

Middle section of the uterus.

One of a pair of veins that form from a fusion of the external and internal jugular veins and the subclavian vein; subclavian, external and internal jugulars, vertebral, and internal thoracic veins lead to it; drains the upper thoracic region and flows into the superior vena cava.

Abnormally low heart rate (<60 beats per minute).

Process that occurs in the female reproductive tract in which sperm are prepared for fertilization; leads to increased motility and changes in their outer membrane that improve their ability to release enzymes capable of digesting an oocyte’s outer layers.

(In genetics) heterozygous individual who does not display symptoms of a recessive genetic disorder but can transmit the disorder to his or her offspring.

Chemical reaction that breaks down more complex organic molecules.

The life cycle of a cell, including interphase and mitotic phases.

Small, self-replicating organelle that provides the origin for microtubule growth and moves DNA during cell division.

A structure on a chromosome, where sister chromatids are attached, and where the mitotic spindle attaches.

Cellular structure that organizes microtubules during cell division.

A hormone secreted by enteroendocrine cells of the duodenum in response amino acids, fatty acids and HCl. Stimulate gall bladder contraction (release of stored bile).

Membrane that develops from the syncytiotrophoblast, cytotrophoblast, and mesoderm; surrounds the embryo and forms the fetal portion of the placenta through the chorionic villi.

Precursor to the chorion; forms from extra-embryonic mesoderm cells.

Precursor to the chorion; forms from extra-embryonic mesoderm cells.

Projections of the chorionic membrane that burrow into the endometrium and develop into the placenta.

Substance consisting of DNA and associated proteins.

Small appendage on certain cells formed by microtubules and modified for movement of materials across the cellular surface (singular = cilium).

Form of mitotic cell division in which the cell divides but the total volume remains unchanged; this process serves to produce smaller and smaller cells.

Contractile ring that forms around a cell during cytokinesis that pinches the cell into two halves.

(Also, coagulation factors) group of 12 identified substances active in coagulation

Formation of a blood clot; part of the process of hemostasis.

Pattern of inheritance that corresponds to the equal, distinct, and simultaneous expression of two different alleles.

Branch of the aorta that leads to the internal and external iliac arteries.

Pre-implantation stage of a fertilized egg and its associated membranes.

Fibrous covering of the anterior region of the eye that is transparent so that light can pass through it.

In an oocyte, a layer of granulosa cells that surrounds the oocyte and that must be penetrated by sperm before fertilization can occur.

Branches of the ascending aorta that supply blood to the heart; the left coronary artery feeds the left side of the heart, the left atrium and ventricle, and the interventricular septum; the right coronary artery feeds the right atrium, portions of both ventricles, and the heart conduction system.

Nonfunctional structure remaining in the ovarian stroma following structural and functional regression of the corpus luteum.

Transformed follicle after ovulation that secretes progesterone.

Nephron with loop of Henle that does not extend into the renal medulla.

Following fertilization, the release of cortical granules from the oocyte’s plasma membrane into the zona pellucida creating a fertilization membrane that prevents any further attachment or penetration of sperm; part of the slow block to polyspermy.

process by which genetic information of homologou, non-sister chromatids, is exchanged during prophase I, thereby increasing genetic variability of gametes.

(Also, canine) pointed tooth used for tearing and shredding food.

Division of the cytoplasm to form two separate cells.

Internal material between the cell membrane and nucleus of a cell, mainly consisting of a water-based fluid called cytosol, within which are all the other organelles and cellular solute and suspended materials.

A monocyte-derived phagocytic cell, function as antigen-presenting cells (APC).

Having two copies of genetic material.

(In genetics) describes a trait that is expressed both in homozygous and heterozygous form.

Forms from the anterior tibial artery; branches repeatedly to supply blood to the tarsal and dorsal regions of the foot.

Shunt in the pulmonary trunk that diverts oxygenated blood back to the aorta.

Shunt that causes oxygenated blood to bypass the fetal liver on its way to the inferior vena cava.

Primary germ layer that develops into the central and peripheral nervous systems, sensory organs, epidermis, hair, and nails.

Electrolytes are minerals in the body that carry an electric charge and are essential for maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle function.

ATP production pathway in which electrons are passed through a series of oxidation-reduction reactions that forms water and produces a proton gradient.

Developing human during weeks 3–8.

Primary germ layer that goes on to form the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, and lungs.

Inner lining of the uterus, part of which builds up during the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle and then sheds with menses.

Hormones that cause vasoconstriction or release of NO.

Specialized hormone-secreting cell found in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas.

Wide section at each end of a long bone; filled with spongy bone and red marrow (plural = epiphyses).

(Also, red blood cell) mature myeloid blood cell that is composed mostly of hemoglobin and functions primarily in the transportation of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

(Also, red blood cell) mature myeloid blood cell that is composed mostly of hemoglobin and functions primarily in the transportation of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Class of predominantly female sex hormones important for the development and growth of the female reproductive tract, secondary sex characteristics, the female reproductive cycle, and the maintenance of pregnancy. Estradiol is the most common active estrogen.

Fluid exterior to cells; includes the interstitial fluid, blood plasma, and fluids found in other reservoirs in the body.

Electron acceptor similar to NAD+, carrying electrons from the Kreb's cycle to the electron transport chain. FADH2 is the reduced, higher energy form with additional electrons.

Continuation of the external iliac artery after it passes through the body cavity; divides into several smaller branches, the lateral deep femoral artery, and the genicular artery; becomes the popliteal artery as it passes posterior to the knee.

Unification of genetic material from male and female haploid gametes.

Impenetrable barrier that coats a nascent zygote; part of the slow block to polyspermy.

Unification of genetic material from male and female haploid gametes.

Developing human during the time from the end of the embryonic period (week 9) to birth.

Insoluble, filamentous protein that forms the structure of a blood clot.

Gradual degradation of a blood clot.

Electron acceptor similar to NAD+, carrying electrons from the Kreb's cycle to the electron transport chain. FADH2 is the reduced, higher energy form with additional electrons.

Anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates the production and maturation of sex cells.

Days 1-14 of the ovarian cycle, during which tertiary follicles grow and secrete estrogens.

Development of ovarian follicles from primordial to tertiary under the stimulation of gonadotropins.

Anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates the production and maturation of sex cells.

General anatomical term for the part of a hollow organ furthest from its mouth. In the stomach: the uppermost portion, above and to the left of the cardia. In the uterus: domed portion superior to the uterine tubes.

Haploid reproductive cell (egg or sperm in humans) that contributes genetic material to form an offspring.

Process of cell migration and differentiation into three primary germ layers following cleavage and implantation.

Portion of a chromosome that codes for the assembly of a particular protein or RNA.

The genetic makeup of an individual. Also referring to the alleles an individual has for a particular gene (e.g. homozygous or heterozygous).

Predicted ratio of genotypes among offspring.

Cell that gives rise to a gamete.

In human development, the period required for embryonic and fetal development in utero; pregnancy.

Heterogeneous group of plasma proteins that includes transport proteins, clotting factors, immune proteins, and others.

Hormones produced by the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex that influence glucose metabolism.

Polysaccharide used as a storage form of glucose in the liver.

Series of metabolic reactions that breaks down glucose into pyruvate and produces ATP.

Hormone released by the hypothalamus that stimulates the release of hormones known as gonadotropins from the anterior pituitary: follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)

Hormone released by the hypothalamus that stimulates the release of hormones known as gonadotropins from the anterior pituitary: follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)

Supportive cells in the ovarian follicle that produce estrogens.

(Also, somatotropin) anterior pituitary hormone that promotes tissue building and influences nutrient metabolism.

Hormone from the hypothalamus that stimulates release of growth hormone (GH) from the anterior pituitary.

Hormone that directs the corpus luteum to survive, enlarge, and continue producing progesterone and estrogen to suppress menses and secure an environment suitable for the developing embryo.

Sounds heard with a stethoscope of the closing of the atrioventricular valves (“lub”) and semilunar valves (“dub”).

Genetic disorder characterized by inadequate synthesis of clotting factors.

Having two different alleles for a given gene.

Vasoactive (active on blood vessels) mediator in granules of mast cells and is the primary cause of allergies and anaphylactic shock.

Vasoactive (active on blood vessels) mediator in granules of mast cells and is the primary cause of allergies and anaphylactic shock.

Pair of similar (but not identical) chromosomes in a diploid cell, containing the same genes but possibly differing in alleles, one inherited from each parent.

Pair of similar (but not identical) chromosomes in a diploid cell, containing the same genes but possibly differing in alleles, one inherited from each parent.

Having two identical alleles for a given gene.

Hormone that directs the corpus luteum to survive, enlarge, and continue producing progesterone and estrogen to suppress menses and secure an environment suitable for the developing embryo.

Small, U-shaped bone located in upper neck that does not contact any other bone.

Describes a solution concentration that is lower than a reference concentration

Describes a solution concentration that is lower than a reference concentration

Process by which a blastocyst embeds itself in the uterine endometrium.

Mendelian principle that states that alleles from one parent will sort independently from those of the other parent. This occurs during metaphase I when maternal and paternal homologous chromosomes align themselves independently to maternal and paternal chromosomes of any other pair.

Describes a position below or lower than another part of the body proper; near or toward the tail (in humans, the coccyx, or lowest part of the spinal column); also referred to as caudal.

A general anatomical term for a funnel-shaped structure; in the hypothalamus, the stalk containing vasculature and neural tissue that connects the pituitary gland to the hypothalamus (also called the pituitary stalk).

Opening in abdominal wall that connects the testes to the abdominal cavity.

Cluster of cells within the blastocyst that is fated to become the embryo.

Amount of air that enters the lungs due to deep inhalation past the tidal volume.

Arises from the common carotid artery and begins with the carotid sinus; goes through the carotid canal of the temporal bone to the base of the brain; combines with branches of the vertebral artery forming the arterial circle; supplies blood to the brain.

Portions of the cell cycle that are not part of mitosis.

Extracellular fluid in the small spaces between cells not contained within blood vessels.

Systematic arrangement of images of chromosomes into homologous pairs.

Alternative source of energy when glucose is limited, created when too much acetyl CoA is created during fatty acid oxidation. Consist of acetone, acetoacetic acid and β-hydroxybutyric acid.

Alternative source of energy when glucose is limited, created when too much acetyl CoA is created during fatty acid oxidation. Consist of acetone, acetoacetic acid and β-hydroxybutyric acid.

Part of the chromosome's centromere to which the mitotic spindle attaches.

(Also, citric acid cycle or tricarboxylic (TCA) cycle) converts pyruvate into CO2 and high-energy FADH2, NADH, and ATP molecules.

(also, white blood cell) colorless, nucleated blood cell, the chief function of which is to protect the body from disease.

Anterior pituitary hormone that triggers ovulation and the production of ovarian hormones in females, and the production of testosterone in males.

Scar tissue formed as the ductus arteriosus contracts during the neonatal period.

Scar tissue formed as the ductus venosus closes.

Synthesis of lipids that occurs in the liver or adipose tissues.

Breakdown of triglycerides into glycerol and fatty acids.

The phase of the ovarian cycle that occurs after ovulation (days 14-28) during which the corpus luteum secretes high levels of progesterone, and new dominant follicles develop (in time for the next cycle). if pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum begins to disintegrate after 1-12 days (meaning that the luteal phase is relatively fixed in duration, whereas the follicular phase can vary).

Process of transforming a follicle post-ovulation to the corpus luteum.

Anterior pituitary hormone that triggers ovulation and the production of ovarian hormones in females, and the production of testosterone in males.

Fluid contained within the lymphatic system.

One of the bean-shaped organs found associated with the lymphatic vessels.

Ameboid (irregular outline with peripheral projections) phagocyte found in several tissues throughout the body.

Glands in the breast that secrete milk.

Process by which germ cells form four genetically distinct daughter cells (gametes) for sexual reproduction.

Shedding of the inner portion of the endometrium out though the vagina; also referred to as menstruation.

Phase of the menstrual cycle in which the endometrial lining is shed.

Approximately 28-day cycle of changes in the uterus consisting of a menses phase, a proliferative phase, and a secretory phase.

Embryonic tissue from which connective tissue cells derive.

Primary germ layer that goes on to form the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, and lungs.

The second phase of mitosis, during which replicated chromosomes align on the metaphase plate and the mitotic spindle completes.

second phase of meiosis I during which homologous chromosomes align on the metaphase plate.

The second stage of meiosis II, during which replicated chromosomes (consisting of a pair of sister chromatids) align along the metaphase plate.

Imaginary medial plane in a mitotic cell, along which replicated chromosomes align during metaphase.

Small projection of the plasma membrane of the absorptive cells of the small intestinal mucosa (plural= microvilli)

Hormones produced by the zona glomerulosa cells of the adrenal cortex that influence fluid and electrolyte balance.

Inorganic ions or compounds that work with other nutrients to carry out important body functions.

Division of genetic material, during which the cell nucleus breaks down and two new, fully functional, nuclei are formed. Usually immediately followed by cytokinesis (cell division).

Referring to mitosis, often indicating cell division though mitosis and cell division (cytokinesis) are separate, usually linked, processes.

Structure composed of centrosomes and microtubules, responsible for aligning and separating replicated chromosomes and elongating and dividing the cell during mitosis and cytokinesis.

(Also, left atrioventricular valve or bicuspid valve) valve located between the left atrium and ventricle; consists of two flaps of tissue.

Precursor to macrophages and dendritic cells seen in the blood.

Tightly packed sphere of blastomeres that has reached the uterus but has not yet implanted itself.

Change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA.

Smooth muscle layer of uterus that allows for uterine contractions during labor and expulsion of menstrual blood.

Beginning to grow and develop.

Cytotoxic lymphocyte of innate immune response.

A chromosomal disorder in which chromosomes fail to disjoin and move to opposite poles during either Meiosis I or Meiosis II.

(In nervous system) a localized collection of neuron cell bodies that are functionally related; a “center” of neural function (plural= nuclei).

Small region of the nucleus that functions in ribosome synthesis.

Cell that results from the division of the oogonium and undergoes meiosis I at the LH surge and meiosis II at fertilization to become a haploid ovum.

Process by which oogonia divide by mitosis to primary oocytes, which undergo meiosis to produce the secondary oocyte and, upon fertilization, the ovum.

Ovarian stem cells that undergo mitosis during female fetal development to form primary oocytes.

Substance that contains both carbon and hydrogen.

Receptor cell that senses differences in the concentrations of bodily fluids on the basis of osmotic pressure.

For gustation (taste), a bump-like projection on the surface of the tongue that contains taste buds.

Childbirth

Outer epithelial layer of uterine wall.

Serous membrane that lines the abdominopelvic cavity and covers the organs found there.

Physical or biochemical manifestation of the genotype; expression of the alleles.

Predicted ratio of phenotypes among offspring; this may differ from the genotypic ratio for the same cross where certain genotypes (e.g. homozygous dominant and heterozygous) have the same phenotype.

PO4-, an ion that is an important component of bone, plasma membranes (phospholipids) and ATP. Regulated by parathyroid hormone (PTH).

Organ that forms during pregnancy to nourish the developing fetus; also regulates waste and gas exchange between mother and fetus.

Formation of the placenta; complete by weeks 14–16 of pregnancy.

(Also, thrombocytes) one of the formed elements of blood that consists of cell fragments broken off from megakaryocytes.

Penetration of an oocyte by more than one sperm.

“Gateway to the liver” where the hepatic artery and hepatic portal vein enter the liver.

Immature oocyte, produced during fetal development where meiosis is 'paused' after prophase I.

Least developed ovarian follicles that consist of a single oocyte and a single layer of flat (squamous) granulosa cells.

Phase of the menstrual cycle in which the endometrium proliferates.

Late prophase of mitosis, during which the mitotic spindle has attached to the kinetochore of each replicated chromosome.

The first phase of mitosis, during which the nucleolus disappears, the nuclear envelope disintegrates, mitotic spindle begins to form, and chromosomes condense.

First phase of meiosis I during which chromatin condenses to form chromosomes, nuclear envelope disintegrates, mitotic spindle forms, and homologous chromosomes pair together and crossing over occurs.

The first phase of meiosis II, during which chromatin condenses and the mitotic spindle forms.

Sensory receptors providing information about location and movement of body parts; the “sense of the self”.

Class of organic compounds that are composed of many amino acids linked together by peptide bonds.

Grid used to display all possible combinations of alleles transmitted by parents to offspring and predict the mathematical probability of offspring inheriting a given genotype.

(Also, pyruvate) Three-carbon end product of glycolysis and starting material that is converted into acetyl CoA that enters the citric acid cycle.

Describes a trait that is only expressed in homozygous form and is masked in heterozygous form.

Varying amounts of air within the lung at a given time.

Single bone located near the inferior end of the adult vertebral column that is formed by the fusion of five sacral vertebrae; forms the posterior portion of the pelvis.

Ovarian follicle with a primary oocyte and multiple layers of granulosa cells.

Immature oocyte after the first meiotic division (which occurs in the tertiary follicle); oocytes are ovulated at this stage.

Phase of the menstrual cycle in which the endometrium secretes a nutrient-rich fluid in preparation for implantation of an embryo.

A wall or divider. In heart, specifically: the wall or partitions that divides the heart into chambers (plural= septa).

Cells that support germ cells through the process of spermatogenesis.

Blood plasma that does not contain clotting factors.

The X and Y chromosomes.

Circulatory shortcut that diverts the flow of blood from one region to another.

An identical copy of a chromosome, formed during S phase in preparation for mitosis, attached at the centromere to another sister chromatid.

Substances dissolved in a solution.

A body cell, excluding germ cells. Normally diploid, each cell containing a complete set of genes.

A ring-shaped smooth muscle that can open or close a passage in the body.

Cell that is oligo-, multi-, or pleuripotent that has the ability to produce additional stem cells rather than becoming further specialized.

A type of lipid containing four rings and a fatty acid tail. Examples include testosterone and cholesterol.

Basal layer of the uterine epithelium that remains relatively unchanged during the menstrual cycle.

The thicker of the two uterine epithelial layers, that thickens and is shed during the menstrual cycle in response to estrogens and progesterone.

Downward projecting, elongated bony process located on the inferior aspect of the skull.

Describes a position nearer to the surface of the body.

A substance that reduces surface tension of a liquid.

Superficial cells of the trophoblast that fuse to form a multinucleated body that digests endometrial cells to firmly secure the blastocyst to the uterine wall.

Abnormally high heart rate (>100 beats per minute).

Final phase of telophase, during which chromosomes (now separated at opposite poles) decondense and nuclear envelope re-forms.

The final phase of meiosis I, during which replicated chromosomes (consisting of paired sister chromatids) form new nuclei at either end of the dividing cell.

The final phase of meiosis II, resulting in four (from two separate cells each undergoing meiosis II) daughter cells that each genetically unique (from each other and from the parent cell).

(Also, antral follicle) ovarian follicle with a primary or secondary oocyte, multiple layers of granulosa cells, and a fully formed antrum.

Male gonad (plural = testes).

Estrogen-producing cells in a maturing ovarian follicle.

Enzyme essential for the final steps in formation of a fibrin clot.

Large butterfly-shaped endocrine gland responsible for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Located anterior to the trachea, just inferior to the larynx.

Hormone from the hypothalamus that stimulates release of thyroid stimulating hormone from the anterior pituitary.

Amount of air that normally enters the lungs during quiet breathing.

Protein thromboplastin, which initiates the extrinsic pathway when released in response to tissue damage.

Lymphoid nodule associated with the nasopharynx.

Embryonic cells that have the ability to differentiate into any type of cell and organ in the body.

Variation of an expressed characteristic.

Fluid-filled shell of squamous cells destined to become the chorionic villi, placenta, and associated fetal membranes.

Hormones that affect the secretion of other hormones.

Connection between the developing conceptus and the placenta; carries deoxygenated blood and wastes from the fetus and returns nutrients and oxygen from the mother.

(Also, fallopian tube or oviduct) duct that facilitates transport of an ovulated oocyte to the uterus.

Muscular hollow organ in which a fertilized egg develops into a fetus.

Small vessel leading from the capillaries to veins.

Small vessel leading from the capillaries to veins.

Projection of the mucosa of the small intestine (plural= villi).

Pattern of dominant inheritance that corresponds to a gene on the X chromosome of the 23rd pair.

Pattern of recessive inheritance that corresponds to a gene on the X chromosome of the 23rd pair.

Membrane associated with primitive circulation to the developing embryo; source of the first blood cells and germ cells and contributes to the umbilical cord structure.

Glycoprotein layer surrounding the cell membrane of an oocyte.

Fertilized egg; a diploid cell resulting from the fertilization of haploid gametes from the male and female lines.