Unit 1: Reproduction - Female and Male Reproductive Systems

Vocabulary flashcards covering the structures and functions of the male and female reproductive systems from Unit 1: Parenthood, Pregnancy and Newborn baby.

Vagina

A passage that leads from the outside of the body to the cervix, where sperm are deposited during intercourse.

Cervix

The neck of the uterus; a ring of muscle surrounding the outlet of the uterus that is able to expand widely during childbirth ($10\,\text{cm}$).

Uterus

Also called the womb; surrounded by a muscular wall, it is where the baby develops and grows.

Fallopian Tubes

Structures that join the ovaries to the uterus, where fertilisation takes place.

Ovaries

Female reproductive organs that control female sex hormones and produce and release eggs.

Penis

An organ that becomes erect before and during intercourse and ejects sperm into the vagina.

Scrotum

A bag containing two testes that hangs outside the body, allowing sperm to be stored at a lower temperature than body heat.

Testes

Male organs (singular: testis) that produce sperm and the male sex hormone testosterone.

Testosterone

The male sex hormone produced by the testes.

Urethra

A tube that carries semen and urine; during intercourse, the exit from the bladder is closed so the two fluids cannot mix.