ch 27 reproductive

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the anatomy and physiology of the male and female reproductive systems, including hormonal control, gametogenesis, and embryonic development.

Sperm

The male gamete containing $23$ chromosomes.

Scrotum

A muscular sack that helps to regulate the temperature of the testes.

Dartos muscle

A subcutaneous muscle layer located within the scrotum.

Cremaster muscles

Muscles that cover the testes and function to raise or lower them.

Testes

Male reproductive organs or gonads, typically $4-5\,cm$ in length.

Seminiferous tubules

The structures within the testes where sperm development occurs.

Spermatogenesis

The process of sperm production in the seminiferous tubules which takes approximately $64$ days.

Epididymis

A duct roughly $20\,ft$ long if straightened where sperm maturation occurs over about $12$ days.

Ductus deferens

Also known as the vas deferens, it is a duct bundled in the spermatic cord used for sperm transport.

Semen

The fluid that is ejaculated, of which sperm make up only $5\%$.Ratio

Seminal vesicles

Glands that secrete fructose, which is used by sperm mitochondria for energy.

Prostate gland

A gland that produces fluid that coagulates and then decoagulates semen; it begins to enlarge at age $25$.

Bulbourethral glands

Glands that produce a thick salty fluid (pre-ejaculate) that lubricates the urethra and vagina.

Nitric Oxide

A vasodilator that facilitates an erection during sexual arousal.

Testosterone

A hormone that promotes spermatogenesis, muscle development, bone growth, and secondary sex characteristics.

Vulva

The collective term for external female reproductive structures.

Mons pubis

A fat pad located in the external female genitals.

Labia majora

Folds of hair-covered skin located posterior to the mons pubis.

Vagina

A muscular canal approximately $10\,cm$ long serving as the entrance to the reproductive tract and the exit during menses and childbirth.

Lactobacilli

The normal microbial flora found within the vagina.

Ovaries

The female gonads, which are $2-3\,cm$ in length and located in the pelvic cavity.

Oogenesis

The process of female gamete production that follows a cycle of approximately $28$ days.

Folliculogenesis

The cycle consisting of the growth and development of ovarian follicles over roughly $28$ days.

Zona pullucida

A substance secreted by secondary follicles that plays a role in fertilization.

Antrum

A collection of follicular fluid found within secondary and tertiary follicles.

Atresia

The regression and loss of ovarian follicles, which occurs in $99\%$ of all follicles.

FSH

Follicle-stimulating hormone, which stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles.

LH

Luteinizing hormone, which stimulates production of estradiol and whose surge leads to ovulation.

Corpus luteum

A structure formed after ovulation (luteinization) that releases progesterone.

Uterine Tubes

Also known as Fallopian tubes, these act as the conduit for the oocyte from the ovary to the uterus.

Uterus

A muscular organ that supports the growing embryo, measuring $5\,cm$ wide by $7\,cm$ long.

Menses Phase

The phase of the menstrual cycle, lasting $2-7$ days, during which the uterine lining is shed.

Proliferative phase

The phase of the menstrual cycle (Days $7-14$) where the endometrium grows, ending in ovulation at day $14$.

Secretory phase

The phase of the menstrual cycle lasting $10-12$ days where the endometrium prepares for implantation and secretes glycogen.

SRY gene

The gene responsible for providing the chemical prompting required to develop male sex organs.

Biopotential

The state where a group of cells has the potential to develop into either male or female gonads.

Mullerian duct

The rudimentary duct system in the embryo that serves as the precursor to female internal sex organs.

Wolffian duct

The rudimentary duct system in the embryo that serves as the precursor to male internal sex organs.