Reproduction and Development

A developing mammal embryo that consists of a hollow ball of cells. Blastocyst. In simple terms, a blastocyst is an early stage in mammalian development when the embryo is a tiny, hollow ball of cells ready to implant in the uterus.

An ovarian follicle after ovulation, also called a yellow body for its yellow color, is known as the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum is a temporary structure in the ovary that produces hormones to support early pregnancy.

The coiled tube in the scrotum where sperm matures and is stored. Epididymis. The epididymis is a long, coiled tube that stores and matures sperm cells in the male reproductive system.

The cell migration process that forms a third layer within the blastocyst cavity. Gastrulation. Gastrulation is when an embryo's cells reorganize to form three basic layers, which are essential for developing different tissues and organs.

The process by which a blastocyst embeds itself in the lining of the uterus. Implantation. It is when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterus to begin pregnancy.

The period of growth during which sexual maturity is reached. Puberty. Puberty is when a child's body develops into an adult body capable of reproduction.

The organs used in sexual reproduction, like the uterus in females and testes in males, reproductive system. The reproductive system is the group of organs and structures that work together to enable reproduction and produce offspring.

A mixture of sperm and seminal fluid, produced by the male reproductive system. Semen is a fluid that carries sperm from the male body for reproduction.

One of the many tubes in the testes where sperm develop. Seminiferous tubule. These are tiny structures in the testes where sperm cells are formed and mature.

A disease that is spread through sexual contact, like AIDS or herpes. Sexually transmitted disease. A sexually transmitted disease STD is an infection that is passed from one person to another through sexual activity.

The duct that takes sperm from the epididymis to the urethra. Vas deferens. The vas deferens is a tube that carries sperm from where it is stored to where it can leave the body.