Anatomy and Physiology of Reproductive Organs (Male and Female)

Reproductive System

System of primary and secondary sex organs and sex glands; functions in sexual reproduction, fertilization, and continuation of the species.

Primary Sex Organs

Main reproductive organs that produce gametes (ovaries and testes).

Secondary Sex Organs

Structures that support reproduction but do not produce gametes.

Sex Glands

Glands that produce sex cells and hormones involved in reproduction.

Uterus

Hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ where implantation and fetal development occur.

Corpus (Body of Uterus)

Main portion of the uterus.

Cervix

Lower narrow portion of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

Fundus

Rounded upper portion of the uterus above the fallopian tubes.

Anteflexion

Normal forward-tilted position of the uterus.

Ligaments

Bands of connective tissue that support and hold the uterus in position.

Perimetrium

Outer layer of the uterine wall.

Myometrium

Middle muscular layer of the uterus responsible for contractions.

Endometrium

Inner mucous membrane lining of the uterus; thickens and sheds during menstruation.

Menstruation

Shedding of the endometrial lining every 21–40 days if pregnancy does not occur.

Labor

Process in which uterine contractions expel the fetus during childbirth.

Fallopian Tubes

4–6 inch tubes that transport the egg from ovary to uterus; usual site of fertilization.

Isthmus

Narrow part of the fallopian tube connected to the uterus.

Ampulla

Widened portion of the fallopian tube where fertilization commonly occurs.

Infundibulum

Funnel-shaped end of the fallopian tube.

Fimbria

Finger-like projections that capture the egg after ovulation.

Ostium

Opening of the fallopian tube.

Cilia

Hair-like structures that move the egg through the fallopian tube.

Muscular Contractions

Tube movements that help transport the egg.

Ovaries

Female gonads that produce eggs and hormones.

Follicles

Egg-containing sacs present in the ovaries from birth.

Ovum (Egg)

Female reproductive cell containing 23 chromosomes.

Graafian Follicle

Mature follicle ready to release an egg.

Ovulation

Release of a mature ovum from the ovary.

Pituitary Gland

Produces hormones that stimulate ovulation and milk production.

Corpus Luteum

Temporary yellow body formed after ovulation that secretes progesterone.

Progesterone

Hormone that prepares and maintains the uterus for pregnancy.

Estrogen

Hormone that stimulates follicle maturation and thickens the endometrium.

Vagina

Muscular tube connecting the cervix to the outside of the body; receives semen, serves as birth canal, and passage for menstruation.

Copulation

Sexual intercourse.

Vulva

External female genitalia consisting of five structures.

Mons Pubis

Fatty, hair-covered pad over the pubic bone.

Labia Majora

Large outer folds surrounding the vaginal opening.

Labia Minora

Smaller inner folds within the labia majora.

Vestibule

Area containing openings of the vagina, urethra, and Bartholin's gland ducts.

Bartholin's Glands

Glands that secrete lubricant into the vestibule.

Clitoris

Highly sensitive erectile organ partially covered by a hood.

Urethra

Tube carrying urine from the bladder to the outside.

Perineum

Muscular area between the vaginal opening and anus.

Episiotomy

Surgical incision made in the perineum during childbirth to prevent uncontrolled tearing.

Breasts (Mammary Glands)

Glands that produce milk after childbirth.

Glandular Lobes

15–20 milk-producing sections within each breast.

Lobules

Smaller milk-producing structures inside glandular lobes.

Prolactin

Pituitary hormone that stimulates milk production.

Areola

Dark-colored area surrounding the nipple.

Sebaceous Glands

Glands in the areola that keep the skin conditioned.

Nipple

Opening where milk exits the breast.

Colostrum

First yellowish breast secretion rich in nutrients and maternal antibodies.

Maternal Immunities

Protective antibodies passed to the baby through colostrum.

Menarche

Beginning of menstruation at puberty.

Menopause

End of menstrual cycles.

Menstrual Cycle

Regular reproductive cycle consisting of follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases.

Follicular Phase

Phase marked by menstruation and follicle development.

Premenstrual Period

Time before menstruation characterized by hormonal and physical changes.

Ovulatory Phase

Phase in which ovulation occurs.

Luteal Phase

Phase after ovulation involving corpus luteum activity and progesterone secretion.

Implantation

Attachment of the fertilized egg to the uterine lining.

Cervical Mucus

Thick mucus produced during the luteal phase that blocks the cervix.

Conception

Fertilization of an egg by a sperm.

Sperm

Male reproductive cell containing either an X or Y chromosome.

Chromosomes

Structures carrying genetic information; 23 from each parent combine to make 46.

Zygote

Fertilized egg with 46 chromosomes.

Blastocyst

Early dividing stage of the fertilized egg before embryo formation.

Embryo

Developing human from weeks 2–8.

Fetus

Developing human after the embryonic stage until birth.

Trimester

One of the three stages of pregnancy.

First Trimester

Period when all body parts are formed.

Second Trimester

Period when body systems begin functioning.

Third Trimester

Period focused mainly on fetal growth.

Parturition

Process of childbirth.

Dilation

Opening of the cervix to about 10 cm during labor.

Effacement

Thinning of the cervix during labor.

Mucous Plug

Protective mucus sealing the cervix during pregnancy.

Cephalic Presentation

Head-first fetal position for delivery.

Breech Presentation

Feet- or buttocks-first fetal position.

Caesarian (Cesarean Section)

Surgical delivery through an abdominal incision.

Afterbirth

Placenta expelled after delivery.

Scrotum

Skin pouch holding the testes and epididymis.

Testes (Testicles)

Male gonads that produce sperm and testosterone.

Scrotal Contraction

Process that pulls the testes closer to the body in cold temperatures to maintain sperm viability.

Sperm Viability

Ability of sperm to survive and function.

Penis

Male organ for urination and sexual intercourse.

Prepuce (Foreskin)

Fold of skin covering the glans.

Smegma

Lubricating secretion produced under the foreskin.

Circumcision

Removal of the foreskin.

Glans

Head of the penis rich in nerve endings.