REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM (MALE + FEMALE)

Male reproductive system

System consisting of testes ducts and accessory glands that produces sperm and delivers semen

Testes

Male gonads that produce sperm and testosterone

Scrotum

Sac that holds the testes and regulates their temperature

Penis

Organ that delivers semen to the female reproductive tract

Seminiferous tubules

Coiled tubules in the testes where sperm are produced

Leydig cells

Interstitial cells that produce testosterone

Epididymis

Site of sperm maturation and storage

Vas deferens (deferent duct)

Transports sperm from epididymis to ejaculatory duct

Ejaculatory duct

Duct that delivers sperm into the urethra

Urethra

Passageway that carries semen out of the body

Accessory glands

Glands that produce secretions that form semen

Seminal vesicles

Produce nutrient rich fluid for sperm

Prostate gland

Produces alkaline fluid that protects sperm

Bulbourethral glands

Produce mucus for lubrication

Spermatogenesis

Process of sperm production in the testes

Spermiogenesis

Final stage of spermatogenesis where spermatids become mature motile sperm

Spermatozoa

Mature male reproductive cells

Flagellum

Tail of sperm that provides movement

Acrosome

Enzyme containing cap on sperm head that helps penetrate the egg

Varicocele

Swollen scrotal veins that impair sperm quality and fertility

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EEDs)

Environmental chemicals that interfere with hormones and fertility

Male infertility

Inability to produce functional sperm or deliver sperm effectively

Female reproductive system

System of internal and external organs that produces eggs and supports fertilization pregnancy and development

Ovaries

Female gonads that produce eggs estrogen and progesterone

Oogenesis

Process of egg formation from germ cells

Graafian follicle

Mature follicle containing a secondary oocyte arrested in metaphase II

Ovulation

Release of an egg from the ovary

Fallopian tubes (oviducts)

Transport eggs from ovary to uterus

Ampulla

Widest part of fallopian tube and most common site of fertilization

Fimbriae

Fingerlike projections that sweep the egg into the fallopian tube

Uterus

Organ that supports implantation and fetal development

Endometrium

Inner lining of uterus and most common site of implantation

Ectopic pregnancy

Implantation outside the uterus usually in the fallopian tube

Zona pellucida

Glycoprotein layer around the egg that prevents polyspermy

Corona radiata

Outer layer of follicular cells surrounding and nourishing the egg

Anovulation

Failure of the ovary to release an egg

Blocked fallopian tubes

Obstruction that prevents sperm and egg from meeting

Double uterus

Congenital condition with two uterine cavities due to failed duct fusion

Female infertility

Inability to conceive due to ovulation tubal uterine or hormonal issues