Summary of Human Reproduction: IEB Life Science

Human Reproduction Summary
Life Science IEB


Gestation 1
Process of fertilisation 2
Stages of pregnancy 2
First trimester 2
Second trimester 3
Third trimester 3




Gestation
Time between conception (fertilisation) and birth.


Placenta Disc shaped organ richly supplied with ● Oxygen and dissolved food pass form
maternal and foetal blood vessels which the mother to the foetal blood supply
connects the foetus with the mother’s ● Foetal waste products from
blood supply. metabolism pass into maternal
bloodstream for excretion
● Maternal antibodies pass to the
foetus
● Acts as a barrier to harmful
microorganisms and drugs from
entering the foetal bloodstream from
the mother
● Endocrine function of secreting
progesterone and oestrogen (takes
over from the ovaries from 3 months
into the pregnancy

Umbilical cord A flexible cord extending from the ● Umbilical arteries carry waste from
placenta to the abdomen of the foetus the foetus to the maternal blood
supply
● Umbilical veins carries oxygenated
blood and nutrients from the mother
to the foetus