Health: Human Growth And Development

Front 1

Conception/Fertilization

Back 1

the union of an ovum and a sperm that starts a new individual

Front 2

Menstrual Cycle

Back 2

prepares for pregnancy; the cyclic ripening of an ovum and the preparation of the uterus for pregnancy; approximately 28 days
The uterine lining (endometrium) builds up with soft tissue and a rich blood supply; at about mid-cycle, the ripened ovum bursts from the ovary; the ovum is gently swept into the tubes leading to the uterus (fallopian tubes).
The next step depends on whether there are sperm in the reproductive tract or not: if sperm IS present, egg can be fertilized and will become lodged in the wall of the uterus; if sperm IS NOT present, the ovum passes out of the body unnoticed.
Within 24 hours after fertilization, egg begins dividing rapidly into many cells; remains in fallopian tube for approximately 3 days; fertilized egg continues to divide as it passes slowly through fallopian tube to uterus where it attaches to endometrium.
Without pregnancy, the endometrium weakens in the 2 weeks following ovulation and is eventually shed. Cycle repeats. One egg is prepared each cycle.

Front 3

Ovulation

Back 3

ripened ovum bursts from ovum, mid-cycle

Front 4

Blastocyte

Back 4

fertilized egg

Front 5

Implantation

Back 5

fertilized egg attaches to endometrium

Front 6

Menstruation

Back 6

shedding of uterine lining

Front 7

Pregnancy in Menstrual Cycle

Back 7

there is a large window of time in which a woman can get pregnant; it is possible to get pregnant during the period

Front 8

Cramps

Back 8

uterine contracting; blood vessels narrow; uterus contracts to expel menstrual blood, often, after years, cervical opening enlarges, and there is not as much contracting anymore; menstrual pain may also come from the bleeding process, uterine lining separates, prostagladins are released, cause vessels to narrow and blood to decrease in flow to area