Chapter 24 Structure and Function of the Reproductive Systems

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to the structure and function of the male and female reproductive systems, puberty, and aging.

Gonads

Primary sex organs that produce gametes (sperm or ova) and secrete sex hormones.

Mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts)

Ducts that develop into male internal reproductive structures; regress in females in the absence of testosterone.

Paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts)

D ducts that develop into female internal genitalia (uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, upper vagina).

SRY gene

Sex-determining region on the Y chromosome that triggers male gonadal development.

Testes-determining factor (TDF)

Factor required for development of the testes.

Testosterone

Main male sex hormone; promotes male differentiation and Wolffian duct development; produced by the testes.

Estrogen

Female sex hormone; essential for female differentiation and secondary sexual characteristics.

FSH

Follicle-stimulating hormone; stimulates gonads to produce gametes and regulate hormone production.

LH

Luteinizing hormone; stimulates gonads to secrete sex hormones and trigger ovulation in females.

GnRH

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus; stimulates release of FSH and LH.

HPG axis

Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis coordinating reproductive hormone regulation.

Adrenarche

Increased production of adrenal androgens contributing to puberty.

Gonadarche

Gonadal maturation during puberty.

Thelarche

First breast development in puberty.

Menarche

First menstrual period.

Menopause

Cessation of menses, marking end of reproductive years.

Puberty

Onset of sexual maturation, driven by the HPG axis.

Ovaries

Female gonads; produce ova and secrete estrogen and progesterone.

Uterus

Hollow pear-shaped organ housing developing embryo; composed of fundus, body (corpus), isthmus, and cervix.

Endometrium

Inner uterine lining that thickens under estrogen and progesterone.

Myometrium

Thick muscular middle layer of the uterus that facilitates childbirth.

Fallopian tubes

Oviducts that conduct ova from around the ovaries to the uterus; contain fimbriae and infundibulum.

Infundibulum

Fringed, funnel-like opening of the fallopian tube near the ovary.

Ampulla

Distal third of the fallopian tube; usual site of fertilization.

Vagina

Elastic fibromuscular canal with rugae; self-cleaning; maintains vaginal pH.

Vulva

External female genitalia including mons pubis, labia majora/minora, and clitoris.

Mons pubis

Fatty tissue over the pubic symphysis.

Labia majora

Two outer folds of skin around the vaginal opening.

Labia minora

Two thinner folds of skin inside the labia majora.

Clitoris

Erectile organ that provides female sexual arousal; located at the anterior of the vestibule.

Vestibule

Area inside the labia containing the entrances to the vagina and urethra.

Introitus

External opening of the vagina.

Hymen

Thin membrane covering the vaginal opening.

Skene glands

Lesser vestibular glands near the urethral opening.

Bartholin glands

Greater vestibular glands that secrete mucus near the introitus.

Perineum

Subcutaneous tissue between the vaginal opening and the anus.

Breast

Mammary gland structures; include lobes and lobules for milk production.

Prolactin

Hormone that stimulates milk production after childbirth.

Oxytocin

Hormone that triggers milk ejection (let-down) and uterine contractions.

Cooper ligaments

Supportive connective tissue bands that hold breast tissue in place.

Nipple

Projection through which milk is delivered.

Areola

Pigmented area surrounding the nipple.

Montgomery glands

Glands in the areola that secrete lubricating secretions.

Testes

Male gonads; produce sperm and testosterone; located outside the body.

Epididymis

Site of sperm maturation; curves over the posterior testis.

Vas deferens

Ductus that transports sperm toward the urethra; stores sperm.

Scrotum

Skin-covered sac that houses testes and regulates temperature.

Tunica albuginea

Fibrous inner covering of the testes.

Tunica vaginalis

Outer covering of the testes.

Tunica dartos

Muscular layer in the scrotum that adjusts temperature.

Seminal vesicles

Glands behind the bladder that provide energy and prostaglandins for sperm.

Prostate gland

Gland surrounding the urethra; secretes prostatic fluid to nourish sperm.

Cowper glands

Bulbourethral glands that secrete mucus into the ejaculate.

Penis

Male external organ for delivering sperm and excreting urine.

Glans

Distal expanded region of the penis at the urethral opening.

Prepuce

Foreskin covering the glans.

Corpora cavernosa

Two erectile tissues that fill with blood during erection.

Corpus spongiosum

Erectile tissue surrounding the urethra.

Urethra

Channel for urine and semen to exit the body.

Erection

Penile engorgement due to blood flow, mediated by nitric oxide.