Sexual Reproduction in Humans Flashcards

Flashcards covering the process of sexual reproduction in humans, including male and female reproductive systems, gametogenesis, fertilization, and implantation.

Vas deferens

Carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra during ejaculation.

Prostate

Produces a fluid that mixes with sperm to form semen, nourishing and protecting sperm.

Testes

Produces sperm and testosterone.

Urethra

Passageway for both urine and semen when exiting the body.

Penis

Used for both the elimination of urine from the body and the delivery of sperm for sexual reproduction.

Epididymis

Coiled tube attached to each testis where sperm mature and stored.

Oviduct (Fallopian Tube)

Passageway for eggs from the ovaries to the uterus and provides the site for fertilization by the sperm.

Ovary

Produces eggs (ova) and female sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

Uterus

Where a fertilized egg implants and grows into a fetus during pregnancy.

Vagina

Receives the penis during sexual reproduction, allows the menstrual blood to exit the body, and lets the baby pass through during childbirth.

Cervix

Allows menstrual blood to flow from the uterus and serves as a pathway for sperm to enter the uterus.

Gametogenesis

The process in which male (spermatogenesis) and female (oogenesis) gametes are produced.

Spermatogenesis

The process by which immature germ cells or spermatogonia are converted into sperms.

Oogenesis

The process by which oogonia are converted into a mature ovum.

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)

Stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to release FSH and LH.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Stimulates the development of egg cells within follicles in the ovaries (females) and promotes spermatogenesis by stimulating Sertoli cells (males).

Acrosome

Contains enzymes essential for penetrating the ovum's zona pellucida.

Midpiece

Provides energy for movement of the sperm.

Tail

Propels the sperm forward.

Zona pellucida

A protective glycoprotein layer that encloses the ovum.

Corona radiata

A layer of follicular cells that aid in fertilization of the ovum.

Fertilization

Occurs when the nucleus of a sperm fuses with the nucleus of a female gamete in the oviduct (fallopian tube), producing a zygote.

Fimbriae

Finger-like projections on the end of the fallopian tube.

Blastocyst

A ball of cells formed by the zygote after dividing by mitosis.

Trophoblast

Cells lining the blastocyst that secrete enzymes that digest a small pocket in the endometrium.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)

A hormone produced by the trophoblast that ensures menses does not take place.

Estrogen

Builds the Uterus Lining/Endometrium in preparation for a possible pregnancy.

Progesterone

Ovarian hormone that slightly increase and maintain the endometrium’s thickness for implantation.