The Reproductive Systems

A collection of vocabulary flashcards focused on the reproductive systems, detailing key terms and their definitions.

Sexual Dimorphism

Differences in appearance between male and female members of the same species.

Oogenesis

The process of producing ova (eggs) in the ovaries.

Spermatogenesis

The process of producing sperm cells in the testes.

Endometrium

The inner lining of the uterus that thickens during the menstrual cycle.

Menstrual Cycle

A ~28 day cycle involving the preparation of the uterus for a potential pregnancy.

Follicular Phase

The phase of the ovarian cycle where primary follicles mature and culminate in ovulation.

Corpus Luteum

The structure formed from a ruptured follicle that produces progesterone.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

A hormone that triggers ovulation and stimulates the formation of the corpus luteum.

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

A hormone that stimulates the development of ovarian follicles.

Intersex

Variations in biological sex characteristics that do not fit typical definitions of male or female.

Testosterone

The primary male sex hormone produced by Leydig cells in the testes.

Menopause

The natural cessation of menstruation and ovarian function, typically occurring between ages 45-55.

Acrosome

The cap-like structure on a sperm cell that contains enzymes to facilitate penetration of the egg.

Secondary Sex Characteristics

Physical traits that emerge at puberty as a result of sex hormone action, such as breast development in females.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

A hormone produced by the placenta after implantation that maintains the corpus luteum during pregnancy.

Ovum

A mature female reproductive cell or egg.

Zygote

The fertilized egg that is formed when a sperm cell penetrates an ovum.