REPRODUCTIVE

Gametes

Reproductive cells (sperm and ova)

Fertilization

Fusion of a sperm and ovum

Zygote

Cell formed after fertilization

Gonads

Reproductive organs that produce hormones and gametes

Testes

Male gonads that produce sperm and testosterone

Ovaries

Female gonads that produce oocytes and hormones

Semen

Mixture of sperm and gland secretions

Scrotum

Pouch that holds the testes

Spermatic Cord

Contains ductus deferens, blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics

Dartos Muscle

Wrinkles scrotal skin

Cremaster Muscle

Pulls testes closer to the body

Tunica Albuginea

Fibrous covering of the testes

Lobules

Compartments within the testes

Seminiferous Tubules

Site of sperm production

Rete Testis

Passageway carrying sperm to epididymis

Interstitial Cells

Cells that produce testosterone

Spermatogenesis

Process of sperm production

Spermatogonia

Stem cells that begin sperm formation

Spermatocytes

Cells that undergo meiosis

Spermatids

Immature sperm cells

Spermatozoa

Mature sperm cells

Mitosis

Produces 2 diploid cells with 46 chromosomes

Meiosis

Produces 4 haploid cells with 23 chromosomes

Diploid

Cell with 46 chromosomes

Haploid

Cell with 23 chromosomes

Spermiogenesis

Maturation of spermatids into sperm

Spermiation

Release of mature sperm into the tubule lumen

Sustentacular Cells

Support developing sperm cells

Epididymis

Stores and matures sperm

Capacitation

Process that enables sperm to fertilize an egg

Ductus Deferens

Transports sperm from epididymis

Ejaculatory Duct

Short duct passing through the prostate

Urethra

Carries urine and semen out of the body

Seminal Vesicles

Produce about 60% of semen

Fructose

Energy source for sperm

Prostate Gland

Produces 20–30% of semen

Seminalplasmin

Antibiotic substance in prostatic fluid

Bulbourethral Glands

Secrete lubricating alkaline mucus

Normal Semen Volume

2–5 mL per ejaculation

Normal Sperm Count

20–100 million sperm per mL

Penis

Male organ for reproduction and urination

Glans Penis

Expanded tip of the penis

Prepuce

Fold of skin covering the glans

Corpora Cavernosa

Main erectile tissues of the penis

Corpus Spongiosum

Erectile tissue surrounding the urethra

Nitric Oxide (NO)

Causes vasodilation and erection

GnRH

Hormone from hypothalamus that stimulates FSH and LH release

FSH (Male)

Promotes sperm production through sustentacular cells

LH (Male)

Stimulates testosterone production

Inhibin

Hormone that decreases FSH secretion

Testosterone

Main male sex hormone

Functions of Testosterone

Sperm production, sex drive, muscle growth, and male characteristics

Broad Ligament

Supports ovaries, uterine tubes, and uterus

Oogenesis

Process of egg production

Oogonia

Stem cells that form primary oocytes

Primary Oocyte

Immature egg cell present before birth

Primordial Follicle

Primary oocyte surrounded by follicle cells

Graafian Follicle

Mature follicle ready for ovulation

Ovarian Cycle

Monthly cycle of follicle development and ovulation

Ovulation

Release of a secondary oocyte around day 14

Corpus Luteum

Remains of follicle after ovulation that produces progesterone

Fimbriae

Fingerlike projections that sweep the oocyte into the uterine tube

Uterine Tubes

Transport the oocyte to the uterus

Uterus

Muscular organ where embryo develops

Endometrium

Inner lining of the uterus

Myometrium

Muscular middle layer of the uterus

Perimetrium

Outer layer of the uterus

Menses

Shedding of the uterine lining

Proliferative Phase

Endometrium rebuilds under estrogen influence

Secretory Phase

Progesterone prepares uterus for pregnancy

Menarche

First menstrual period

Menopause

Last menstrual cycle

Vulva

External female genitalia

Labia Minora

Inner folds surrounding the vaginal opening

Labia Majora

Outer protective folds

Clitoris

Female structure equivalent to the penis

Mammary Glands

Milk-producing glands

FSH (Female)

Stimulates follicle development

Estradiol

Most important estrogen

LH Surge

Rapid increase in LH that triggers ovulation

Progesterone

Hormone that prepares and maintains the uterine lining for pregnancy