Male and Female Reproductive Systems

Flashcards with vocabulary terms and definitions related to the male reproduction system.

Sperm Pathway

The route sperm take through the male reproductive system, passing various glands that contribute fluids to form semen, culminating in the expulsion of semen.

Vasectomy

A surgical sterilization procedure for males involving the cutting and blocking of the tubes that transport sperm to prevent it from reaching the ejaculate.

Autoimmune Response (post-vasectomy)

The body's immune system reacting against sperm that are released into the body cavity following a surgical sterilization procedure, recognizing sperm as foreign.

Vasectomy Incision

A surgical cut made in the scrotal area to gain access to and subsequently block the sperm-carrying tubes.

Corpora Cavernosa

The primary erectile tissue masses located within the shaft of the penis, responsible for achieving rigidity during sexual arousal.

Corpus Spongiosum

A delicate and highly vascularized tissue that surrounds the urethra within the erectile structure, contributing to penile tumescence.

Urethra (male)

The canal within the penis through which both urine and semen are expelled from the body.

Glans Penis

The sensitive, bulbous structure that forms the head of the penis.

Urethral Opening

The external orifice located on the glans through which urine and semen exit the penis.

Erection Mechanism

The physiological process involving increased arterial blood inflow into the penis coupled with reduced venous outflow, leading to swelling and rigidity.

Flaccid Penis

Non-erect state of the penis.

Baculum

A bone found in the penis of some mammals providing support and structural integrity.

Corpora Cavernosa Injury

Physical trauma sustained by the erectile tissues of the penis, which presents challenges for repair due to the tissue's intricate nature.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

A prevalent condition in males characterized by the inability to attain or sustain an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse, typically due to restricted blood flow into the penile tissue.

Sildenafil (Viagra)

A medication prescribed for the temporary management of ED, which facilitates smooth muscle relaxation and enhances blood supply to the erectile tissue.

Statins and Hypertensives

Pharmaceutical agents employed in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders, which may have a secondary beneficial impact on ED by addressing underlying vascular issues.

Nitric Oxide

A signaling molecule produced by the body that plays a pivotal role in vasodilation.

Cyclic Guanine Monophosphate (CGMP)

A crucial intermediate signal in the nitric oxide pathway that mediates vasodilation during erections.

Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5)

An enzyme present in penile tissue responsible for the degradation of CGMP, thereby diminishing erection.

Competitive Binding Agent (PDE5)

A substance that competes with CGMP for binding to PDE5.

Sertoli Cells

Specialized cells located within the seminiferous tubules of the testes that support.

Testicular Maldescent

A medical condition in which one or both testes fail to descend into the scrotum during development.

Hypospadias

A congenital condition in males where the opening of the urethra is located on the underside of the penis rather than at the tip.

Female Reproductive System

The entirety of organs that are involved in creating offspring.

Cervix

The lower, narrow part of the uterus that connects to the vagina, acting as a gateway between the two.

Fimbrii

Finger-like tissue projections located at the opening of the fallopian tubes near the ovaries, which help guide the oocyte into the oviduct after ovulation.

G Spot

Area inside the vagina that may give pleasure.

Females Born with All Eggs

Conventional wisdom about human female eggs.

Germ Cells

The number of babies a female has in utero at three, six and nine months.

Mitotic Proliferation

This production results in producing a primary oocyte.