Survival of species Fertilization

Fertilization is the union of two gametes: an ovum and spermatozoon. What is fertilization Fertilization is the union of two gametes: an ovum and spermatozoon. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA

Ovulation For fertilization to happen, the female body first needs to produce an ovum

Fertile period Women are not fertile (able to have a baby) all the time An ovum can be fertilized only during a short window that starts a few days before ovulation and ends the day after ovulation.

Menstrual cycle From the end of menstruation until ovulation, the endometrium thickens in anticipation of receiving a fertilized ovum. If fertilization does not occur, the endometrium detaches from the uterus approximately two weeks after ovulation. Endometrium = a lot of blood vessel The blood exists through the vagina.

Menstrual cycle In a 28 day cycle, menstruation usually last 5 days. The ovulation always occurs 14 days before the first day of menstruation. During ovulation, an ovum is released from the ovary. An ovum can stay alive only for around 24 hours. Spermatozoa can live for 3 to 5 days.

Spermatozoa and fertilization

Spermatozoa and fertilization

Spermatozoa and fertilization

Pregnancy is the time when a woman carries an embryo (then a fetus) in her uterus What is pregnancy

Zygotes and embryos

Zygotes and embryos

Fetus After eight weeks of pregnancy, the embryo is called a fetus. It will keep this name until birth.

Fetus