Unit 2.3 – The Reproductive System

Vocabulary flashcards covering the major terms, structures, hormones, and processes related to the human reproductive system.

Reproductive system

Body system that enables organisms to produce offspring and pass on genetic material to the next generation.

Endocrine system

Network of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream to regulate bodily functions, including reproduction.

Hormone

Chemical messenger released by endocrine glands that travels through the blood to affect target organs or tissues.

Testes

Male reproductive organs that produce sperm and secrete testosterone.

Penis

External male organ that delivers sperm into the vagina during intercourse.

Sperm duct (vas deferens)

Tube that carries sperm from the testes to the urethra.

Ovary

Female reproductive organ where eggs (ova) grow and mature and oestrogen and progesterone are produced.

Fallopian tube (oviduct)

Tube that transports the egg from the ovary to the uterus and is the usual site of fertilisation.

Uterus (womb)

Muscular organ where a fertilised egg implants and a foetus develops during pregnancy.

Cervix

Lower, narrow part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

Vagina

Muscular canal that receives sperm during intercourse and serves as the birth canal.

Puberty

Life stage when sex hormones trigger development of secondary sexual characteristics and reproductive capability.

Secondary sexual characteristics

Physical changes (e.g., breast development, facial hair) that appear at puberty under the influence of sex hormones.

Oestrogen

Main female sex hormone responsible for breast development, wider hips, menstrual cycle regulation, and uterine lining build-up.

Progesterone

Female hormone that works with oestrogen to maintain and later shed the uterine lining.

Testosterone

Primary male sex hormone responsible for sperm production, facial hair, voice deepening, and muscle growth.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Pituitary hormone that stimulates maturation of eggs in the ovary.

Luteinising Hormone (LH)

Pituitary hormone that triggers ovulation—the release of a mature egg from the ovary.

Menstrual cycle

Approximately 28-day cycle of egg maturation, ovulation, uterine lining changes, and menstruation if no fertilisation occurs.

Ovulation

Release of a mature egg from an ovary, typically about day 14 of the menstrual cycle.

Gamete

Sex cell; sperm in males and ovum (egg) in females, each carrying half the genetic material.

Sperm

Male gamete; a motile cell that carries the father’s genetic information to the egg.

Ovum (egg)

Female gamete that carries the mother’s genetic information and can be fertilised by sperm.

Fertilisation

Fusion of a sperm and an egg to form a zygote.

Zygote

First cell of a new human created after fertilisation, containing combined genetic material from both parents.

Differentiation

Process by which cells in the embryo become specialised for specific functions.

Embryo

Early developmental stage from fertilisation until about eight weeks, before organs are fully formed.

Foetus

Developing human from roughly eight weeks after fertilisation until birth, when organ systems grow and mature.

Pregnancy

Period during which a fertilised egg grows and develops into a foetus in the uterus until birth.

Contraception

Methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy.

Oral contraceptive pill

Hormone-based medication taken daily to prevent ovulation and thus pregnancy.

Condom

Barrier method worn on the penis (or inside the vagina) that blocks sperm entry and helps protect against STDs.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

Copper- or hormone-containing device inserted into the uterus to prevent fertilisation or implantation.

Patch (hormonal)

Skin-adhesive patch releasing hormones to prevent ovulation over an extended period.

Abstinence

Choice to refrain from sexual intercourse; 100 % effective in preventing pregnancy.

Vasectomy

Permanent male sterilisation surgery that cuts and ties the sperm ducts.

Female sterilisation

Permanent procedure cutting and tying the oviducts to prevent eggs from reaching the uterus.