ch. 16 reproductive system

Reproductive System

The collection of internal and external organs in both males and females that work together for the purpose of procreation (producing offspring).

Gonads

The primary reproductive organs that produce germ cells (gametes) and sex hormones; these are the testes in males and the ovaries in females.

Sperm

The male reproductive cell.

Ova

The female reproductive cell.

Testes

The male gonads, responsible for producing sperm and the hormone testosterone.

Ovaries

The female gonads, responsible for producing ova and the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Spermatogenesis

The female gonads, responsible for producing ova and the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Oogenesis

The biological process by which female gametes (ova/eggs) are produced and developed within the ovaries.

Testosterone

The primary male sex hormone, produced mainly in the testes; it stimulates the development of male secondary sexual characteristics and sperm production.

Estrogen

A primary female sex hormone produced in the ovaries; it regulates the menstrual cycle and the development of female secondary sexual characteristics.

Uterus

A hollow, muscular organ in the female pelvic cavity (often called the womb) where a fetus develops during pregnancy.

Ovarian Cycle

The monthly series of events in the ovary associated with the maturation of an egg (oocyte) and its release.

Uterine Cycle

Also known as the menstrual cycle; the monthly series of changes in the uterine lining (endometrium) in preparation for a potential pregnancy.

Mammary Glands

Specialized organs in mammals that produce milk to nourish young offspring.

Embryo

An unborn offspring in the early stages of development, typically from the second to the eighth week after fertilization in humans.

Fetus

An unborn offspring from the end of the eighth week after conception until birth, once the major structures have formed.

Umbilical Cord

A flexible, cord-like structure containing blood vessels that connects the fetus to the placenta, delivering nutrients and removing waste.

Labor

The process of childbirth, characterized by muscular contractions of the uterus that result in the delivery of the baby.

Puberty

The period during which adolescents reach sexual maturity and become capable of reproduction.

Menopause

The natural cessation of menstruation, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, marking the end of a woman's reproductive years.