Reproductive wk 12

Flashcards for reviewing the anatomy and physiology of the male and female reproductive systems.

Gonads

Primary sex organs (testes and ovaries) that produce gametes and secrete sex hormones.

Gametes

Sex cells: sperm (male) and ova (female).

Androgens

Male sex hormones, such as testosterone.

Estrogen and Progesterone

Female sex hormones.

Testes

Sperm-producing male gonads located within the scrotum.

Scrotum

Sac of skin and superficial fascia that hangs outside the abdominopelvic cavity and contains the testes; maintains a temperature about 3°C lower than core body temperature.

Epididymis

Duct where sperm mature and are stored.

Interstitial Endocrine Cells

Cells located in the soft tissue surrounding seminiferous tubules that produce androgens, like testosterone.

Spermatic Cord

Encloses nerve fibers, blood vessels, and lymphatics that supply the testes.

Penis

Male copulatory organ.

Glans Penis

The end of the shaft of the penis.

Prepuce (Foreskin)

Cuff of loose skin covering the glans of the penis; often removed during circumcision.

Corpus Spongiosum

Surrounds the urethra in the penis and expands to form the glans and bulb.

Corpora Cavernosa

Paired dorsal erectile bodies in the penis.

Ductus Deferens (Vas Deferens)

Carries sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.

Seminal Vesicles

Accessory glands on the posterior bladder surface that produce seminal fluid.

Prostate Gland

Accessory gland that encircles the urethra inferior to the bladder and secretes a milky, slightly acidic fluid.

Bulbo-urethral Glands

Pea-sized glands inferior to the prostate that produce thick, clear mucus during sexual arousal.

Semen

Milky-white mixture of sperm and accessory gland secretions.

Spermatogenesis

Production of sperm in the seminiferous tubules.

Ovaries

Female gonads that produce ova (female gametes) and secrete estrogen and progesterone.

Ovarian Follicles

Structures in the ovary that contain an immature egg (oocyte).

Ovulation

Ejection of an oocyte from a ripening follicle.

Corpus Luteum

Develops from the ruptured follicle after ovulation and secretes progesterone and estrogen.

Uterine Tubes (Fallopian Tubes)

Receive the ovulated oocyte and are the usual site of fertilization.

Uterus

Hollow, thick-walled, muscular organ that receives, retains, and nourishes a fertilized ovum.

Cervix

Narrow neck of the uterus, which projects into the vagina.

Vagina

Thin-walled tube that functions as the birth canal, passageway for menstrual flow, and organ of copulation.

Vulva (Pudendum)

Female external genitalia, including the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, and vestibule.

Oogenesis

Production of female gametes; begins in the fetal period.

Ovarian Cycle

Approximately 28-day series of events associated with egg maturation.

Uterine (Menstrual) Cycle

Cyclic series of changes in the endometrium that occur in response to fluctuating ovarian hormone levels.

Hymen

Mucosa near vaginal orifice.