Reproductive Vocab

seminiferous tubules

tubule in the testes where sperm cells form

interstitial cells

hormone-secreting cell between seminiferous tubules of the testis; cell of Leydig

spermatogenisis

sperm cell reproduction

epididymis

highly coiled tube that leads from the seminiferous tubules of the ductus deferens

vas deferens

tube that leads from the epididymis to the urethra of the male reproductive tract

seminal vesicle

one of a pair of pouches that adds fructose & prostaglandins to sperm as semen forms

prostate gland

Gland surrounding the male urethra below the urinary bladder that secretes a fluid into semen prior to ejaculation

bulbourethral glands (Cowper’s glands)

gland that secretes viscous fluid into the male urethra during sexual excitement

androgens

male sex hormone such as testosterone

oogenesis

formation of an oocyte

ovulation

release of an egg cell from a mature ovarian follicle

fallopian tubes (uterine tubes)

tube that extends from the uterus on each side toward an ovary; aka oviduct

endometrium

inner lining of uterus

myometrium

layer of smooth muscle tissue in uterine wall

perimetrium

outer serosal layer of uterine wall

corpus luteum

structure that forms from the tissue of a ruptured ovarian follicle & secretes progesterone & estrogens

cervix

narrow, inferior end of the uterus that leads into the vagina

zygote

cell produced by the fusion of nuclei from an egg & sperm

embryo

a prenatal stage of development from fertilization through the 8th week of development, when the rudiments of all organs are present