HSC 3537 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Fallopian Tube, Corpus Luteum
Document Summary
This is the union of the nuclei of ovum and sperm cell. Ovum and sperm cells are called gametes. Each gamete contains half the number of chromosomes of a normal body cell. Female gonads are the ovaries; male gonads are the testes. An ovum leaves the ovaries and travels through the fallopian tube. Fertilization takes place if sperm cells are present and unite with the ovum. The fertilized egg implants then divides to form a ball of cells, called a zygote (and later an embryo and then a fetus): menstruation and pregnancy. Day 1-5 blood cells, endometrial cells, and glandular secretions discharge from the body. Day 6-12 estrogen aids repair of endometrium. Day 13-14 the egg leaves the ovary and passes through the fallopian tube. Day 15-28 the corpus luteum secretes progesterone; the uterus lining builds up. If fertilization occurs, the egg implants in the uterine endometrium. The placenta forms, attaches to the uterine wall.
