The Reproductive System (Video Notes)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture notes.

Reproductive system

The organ system in both sexes consisting of primary and secondary sex organs and glands that enable reproduction.

Primary sex organs

Gonads (ovaries in females, testes in males) that produce gametes and hormones.

Secondary sex organs

Structures that support reproduction (e.g., uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina, penis, etc.).

Uterus

Muscular organ where a fetus develops; consists of three layers.

Perimetrium

Outer layer of the uterus.

Myometrium

Muscular middle layer of the uterus.

Endometrium

Mucous membrane lining the uterus that thickens and sheds during menstruation.

Cervical opening

Opening of the cervix; about the diameter of a pencil.

Uterine ligaments

Bands that support and position the uterus; can weaken with trauma, disease, or multiple pregnancies.

Menstruation

Shedding of the endometrium roughly every 21–40 days.

Uterine function during pregnancy

Provides protection and nourishment for the developing fetus.

Labor

Uterine contractions that expel the fetus.

Fallopian tube

Tube that carries the ovum from the ovary to the uterus.

Ampulla

Widened portion of the fallopian tube where fertilization often occurs.

Infundibulum

End of the fallopian tube near the ovary; funnel-shaped with fimbriae.

Fimbria

Finger-like projections that catch the ovum as it leaves the ovary.

Isthmus

Narrow portion of the fallopian tube that connects to the uterus.

Ovaries

Paired organs near the uterus containing follicles; produce ovum.

Follicles

Egg-containing sacs in the ovaries.

Ovum

The mature female egg.

Vagina

Muscular canal extending from the cervix to the outside; site of intercourse and birth.

Mons pubis

Fatty pad over the pubic bone, covered with pubic hair.

Labia majora

Two large folds of adipose tissue around the vaginal opening.

Labia minora

Two smaller folds inside the labia majora.

Vestibule

Area between the labia containing openings for the vagina, urethra, and Bartholin glands.

Clitoris

Sensitive organ partially covered by a hood; important for sexual arousal.

Perineum

Area between the vaginal opening and the anus; can tear during childbirth.

Episiotomy

Surgical incision to prevent uncontrolled tearing of the perineum during childbirth.

Mammary glands

The breasts; glandular tissue that produces milk.

Areola

Dark area surrounding the nipple; contains sebaceous glands.

Colostrum

First breast secretion; yellowish and nutrient-rich with antibodies.

Scrotum

Pouch of skin containing the testes and epididymis; helps regulate testicular temperature.

Testes

Oval-shaped organs producing sperm and testosterone; located in the scrotum.

Epididymis

Coiled tube where sperm mature and are stored.

Urethra

Tube through the penis from the bladder to the meatus.

Meatus

External opening of the urethra.

Penis

Male organ that becomes erect and enables intercourse and urination.

Smegma

Lubricating secretion produced under the prepuce.

Prepuce

Foreskin that covers the glans; may be removed by circumcision.

Circumcision

Surgical removal of the foreskin.

Glans

The head of the penis; highly innervated.

Acrosome

Cap on the head of the sperm containing enzymes to penetrate the ovum.

Sperm

Male gametes produced in the testes.

Head

Part of the sperm that carries genetic material.

Midpiece

Part of the sperm that provides energy for movement.

Tail

Part of the sperm that provides motility.

Seminiferous tubules

Coiled tubes in the testes where sperm are formed.

Vas deferens

Muscular tubes transporting sperm from the epididymis to the seminal vesicles.

Seminal vesicles

Glands that produce an alkaline fluid added to sperm in semen.

Semen

Fluid containing sperm ejaculated during male orgasm.

Copulation

Sexual intercourse.