Question

1.) Trace the path of a mature oocyte from ovulation to implantation.

2.) Explain how the uterine lining and the mammary glands support the developing baby

Answer 1

1
oocyte leaves the ovary as an unfertilized egg during ovulation. From here, it enters the uterine tube and begins its trek down towards the uterus, with the help of cilia along the walls of the tube
Along the way, it can take one of two paths. It can either be fertilized by sperm traveling up the uterine tube, or it doesn't get fertilized.
first take a look at what happens if the egg doesn't get fertilized. If the egg fails to meet up with an eligible sperm, then about 24 hours after it has been released from the ovary, it'll start to deteriorate and it'll break down before it finishes its trek to the uterus
Our egg moves down the pathway towards fertilization, searching out the most eligible sperm for the job. Now, if fertilization is to occur, the sperm have to be on time! They need to arrive around 12-24 hours after the egg has entered the uterine tube
The fertilized egg begins to develop into the blastocyt on descent into the endometrial cavity, where implantation occurs on the wall of the fundus about a week after ovulation.
The process of fertilization takes about 24 hours. Once a sperm has penetrated the egg, the egg surface changes, preventing entry of other sperm.
Once the egg is fertilized, a rapid process of division begins. The fertilized egg leaves the Fallopian tube and enters the uterus 3 to 4 days after fertilization
Implantation is the process by which the fertilized egg attaches to the endometrium (lining tissues of the uterus). The cells in the fertilized egg continue to divide.

Early stages of embryonic development

Ovum

Fertilization

2-celled stage
4-celled stage

8-celled stage
16-celled stage (Morula)

Blastula formation
Blastocyst

Zygote
Implantation
2. endometrium undergoes cyclic growth and development with the sole purpose of successful establishment of pregnancy. As more is known about the gene products of the endometrium, it appears that many of the secreted products of the glandular epithelium function to support the nascent embryo and begin the early communication that continues into pregnancy. Maternal endometrial cells are regulated directly by ovarian steroids and indirectly by various growth factors and cytokines. The time of maximal uterine receptivity is now thought to arise on cycle days 20-24 and is manifest by the expression of many different endometrial products. These proteins can serve as markers of uterine receptivity and have been used to identify women at risk for implantation failure.

mammary gland is an exocrine gland in humans and other mammals that produces milk to feed young offspring.
During milk feeding, small amounts of a pre-milk substance called colostrum are produced. This liquid is rich in antibodies and nutrients to sustain an infant during the first few days of life

Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for infants. It has a nearly perfect mix of vitamins, protein, and fat -- everything your baby needs to grow. And it's all provided in a form more easily digested than infant formula. Breast milk contains antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria. Breastfeeding lowers your baby's risk of having asthma or allergies. Plus, babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months, without any formula, have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and bouts of diarrhea. They also have fewer hospitalizations and trips to the doctor.

Breastfeeding has been linked to higher IQ scores in later childhood in some studies. What's more, the physical closeness, skin-to-skin touching, and eye contact all help your baby bond with you and feel secure. Breastfed infants are more likely to gain the right amount of weight as they grow rather than become overweight children. The AAP says breastfeeding also plays a role in the prevention of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). It's been thought to lower the risk of diabetes, obesity,