| Cryopreservation |
To maintain the viability of cells, tissue, organs, etc. by storing them at very low temperatures, preservation by subjection to extremely low temperatures. |
| Cryoprotectant |
Serving to protect against the deleterious effects of subjection to freezing temperatures. |
| Fimbria |
The delicate ends of the fallopian tubes
that help pick up the egg from the ovary. |
| Follicle |
A vesicle in the mammalian ovary that contains a developing egg surrounded by a covering of cells. |
| Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) |
A hormone from the pituitary which causes
follicle growth and egg development within the ovary. |
| Gamete |
A reproductive cell (eggs in a woman and
sperm in a man). |
| Gamete lntrafallopian Transfer (GIFT) |
An infertility treatment that includes
ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, and gamete (sperm and
egg) transfer to one or both fallopian tubes by laparoscopic
surgery. |
| Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) |
A hormone secreted by the pregnancy. The
presence of this hormone in the woman's blood or urine
represents a positive pregnancy test. HCG is also given
as a medication in an ART cycle to trigger egg maturation
and to mimic an LH surge |
| Implantation |
The process of embryo attachment to the
uterine lining or endometrium. |
| Incubate |
To maintain eggs, sperm or embryos under
controlled conditions (temperature, humidity and gaseous
environment) favorable for development. |
| Inseminate |
Placing eggs and sperm together in order
for fertilization to occur. |
| In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) |
An infertility treatment that includes ovarian
stimulation, egg retrieval and sperm collection. Eggs and
sperm are then placed together in the laboratory, therefore,
fertilization takes place outside of the woman's body.
Resulting embryos are later transferred to her uterus. |
| Luteinizing Hormone (LH) |
A hormone either produced naturally by
the pituitary which causes follicle development, egg maturity,
and ovulation. |
| Media |
A liquid nutrient system in which eggs,
sperm and embryos are cultured. |
| Oocyte |
An egg |
| Oophoropexy |
Surgical fixation or suspension of an ovary. |
| Ovulation |
The release of an egg (or eggs) from the
ovary. |
| Vitrification |
Solidification of a liquid by an extreme elevation in viscosity while rapid cooling to prevent ice crystal formation. |
