Reproductive System & Cell Division – Lecture Vocabulary

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering cell division, male and female reproductive anatomy, hormones, and reproductive processes from the lecture notes.

Mitosis

Somatic cell division that produces two genetically identical daughter cells, each with 46 chromosomes, through prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

Meiosis

Gonadal cell division that yields four genetically unique gametes with 23 chromosomes each after two successive PMAT cycles.

Gametes

Haploid reproductive cells—sperm in males and eggs in females.

Seminiferous tubules

Coiled structures within the testes where sperm are produced.

Spermatogenic cells

sperm production begins

Sustentacular cells

Support cells that nourish spermatogenic cells and form the blood-testis barrier.

Scrotum

Pouch of skin that houses the testes and helps regulate their temperature.

Scrotal septum

Internal wall that separates the two testes and confines infection.

Perineal raphe

External midline seam marking the division between left and right sides of the scrotum and perineum.

Spermatic cord

Bundle of vessels, nerves, lymphatics, and ductus deferens passing through the inguinal canal to the testes.

Leydig cells (Interstitial cells)

Hormone-producing cells between seminiferous tubules that secrete testosterone.

Myoid cells

Contractile cells surrounding seminiferous tubules that propel sperm and fluid.

Rete testis

Network of tubules that collects sperm from seminiferous tubules before they enter the efferent ducts.

Efferent ducts

Small ducts transporting sperm from the rete testis to the epididymis.

Epididymis

Coiled duct on the testis where sperm mature and are stored.

Ductus (vas) deferens

Muscular tube that carries mature sperm from the epididymis toward the urethra.

Ejaculatory duct

Short duct formed by the ductus deferens and seminal vesicle that delivers sperm into the urethra.

Urethra

Final tube shared by urinary and male reproductive systems that conveys urine or semen outside the body.

Seminal vesicles

Paired glands that secrete the majority of seminal fluid.

Fructose (in semen)

Carbohydrate source from seminal vesicles that fuels sperm motility.

Prostaglandins

Seminal vesicle chemicals that induce smooth-muscle contractions in reproductive tracts.

Coagulating proteins

Seminal vesicle proteins that cause sperm to clump, protecting them in the female tract.

Prostate gland

Single gland encircling the urethra that contributes additional fluid to semen.

Citrate (in semen)

Prostate-derived nutrient used by sperm for ATP synthesis.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)

Prostatic enzyme that liquefies the semen clot at the correct time.

Antimicrobial chemicals (prostatic)

Prostate secretions that inhibit bacterial growth in the female tract.

Bulbourethral glands

Pea-sized glands that secrete mucus to lubricate and neutralize the urethra before ejaculation.

Corpus cavernosa

Paired erectile tissues that fill with blood and maintain erection.

Corpus spongiosum

Single erectile body surrounding the urethra that keeps it open during erection.

Cremaster muscle

Skeletal muscle that raises or lowers the testes to regulate temperature for sperm production.

Acrosome

Enzyme-filled cap on a sperm head that enables penetration of the egg.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Pituitary hormone that stimulates sustentacular cells to promote spermatogenesis and retain testosterone.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Pituitary hormone that stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone.

Male refractory period

Interval after ejaculation during which a male cannot achieve another orgasm.

Andropause

Age-related decline in male testosterone levels and reproductive function.

Spermatogenesis

cells, mature, Puberty-onward process where spermatogonia undergo meiosis to produce four viable sperm.

Oogenesis

Process beginning before birth in which meiosis produces one viable egg and polar bodies.

Ovaries

Primary female sex organs that house oocytes and secrete sex hormones.

Uterine (fallopian) tubes

Ciliated tubes that convey the ovulated egg to the uterus.

Fimbriae

Finger-like projections that sweep the oocyte into the uterine tube.

Ampulla

Middle section of uterine tube; usual site of fertilization.

Uterus

Muscular organ where an embryo implants and develops or menstruation occurs if unfertilized.

Perimetrium

Outer serous layer of the uterus that anchors it in place.

Myometrium

Thick muscular layer of the uterus responsible for labor and menstrual cramps.

Endometrium

Inner uterine lining that supports embryo development and is shed during menstruation.

Vagina

Muscular canal for intercourse and as the birth canal.

Rugae (of vagina)

Transverse folds providing stimulation and allowing expansion.

Greater vestibular glands

Glands that secrete mucus to lubricate the vestibule during intercourse.

Primary spermatocyte

Diploid cell that begins meiosis I to generate sperm.

Spermatid

Haploid cell produced by meiosis II that differentiates into a sperm.

Primary oocyte

Diploid cell in the ovary arrested in prophase I until puberty.

Secondary oocyte

Haploid cell produced by meiosis I; ovulated and completes meiosis II if fertilized.

Polar bodies

Small haploid cells formed during oogenesis that do not become eggs.

Gonads

Primary sex organs—testes in males and ovaries in females.

Accessory reproductive organs

Structures aiding reproduction but not producing gametes.

Fertilization

Union of a sperm and an egg to form a zygote.

Zygote

Single diploid cell formed at fertilization that divides to produce all cells of a new individual.

Spermatogonia

Diploid stem cells in testes that divide to form primary spermatocytes; inactive until puberty.

Ovulation

Release of a secondary oocyte from the ovary.

Vulva

External female genitalia surrounding the vestibule.

Perineum

Region between pubic symphysis and coccyx; females: vulva to anus, males: scrotum to anus.

Episiotomy

Surgical incision of the perineum to prevent tearing during childbirth.

Oogonia

Diploid female stem cells present before birth that give rise to primary oocytes.

Ovarian follicle

Cluster of cells that protect, support, and nourish an oocyte in the ovary.

Menstruation

Monthly shedding of the functional layer of the endometrium when fertilization has not occurred.