Reproductive System Vocabulary

Flashcards for Reproductive System Lecture Review

Testes

Male reproductive organ responsible for sperm and testosterone production.

Scrotum

External skin sac that houses the testes and regulates their temperature.

Epididymis

Tubular storage site for sperm, located on the lateral aspect of the testes.

Ductus (Vas) Deferens

Passageway for conveying sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct and urethra.

Prostate Gland

Gland that surrounds the urethra and produces a milky alkaline fluid that contributes to semen.

Cowper's Glands

Also known as bulbourethral glands. Empties a lubricating mucus into the urethra.

Seminal Vesicles

Organs that contribute to over half of the seminal fluid, containing sugar to nourish sperm and prostaglandins.

Penis

Organ that delivers semen to the female reproductive tract.

Urethra

Duct that conveys both sperm and urine down the length of the penis.

Seminiferous Tubules

Site of sperm production within the testes.

Interstitial Cells

Cells in the testes that produce testosterone.

Ovaries

Primary female reproductive organ; site of egg production.

Oviducts (Fallopian Tubes)

Duct through which the ovum travels to reach the uterus; usual site of fertilization.

Uterus

Chamber that houses the developing fetus.

Endometrium

Lining of the uterus where the zygote embeds.

Cervix

Opening to the uterus.

Vagina

Canal that receives the penis during sexual intercourse; the birth canal.

Clitoris

Becomes erect during sexual stimulation; homologous to the male penis.

Estrogen

Female sex hormone responsible for secondary sex characteristics and the proliferation phase of the endometrium.

Progesterone

Ovarian hormone that causes the endometrial glands to begin secreting nutrients.