Reproductive System Review Flashcards

Gonads

Gonads are the primary sex organs—testes in males and ovaries in females. They secrete sex hormones (testosterone/estrogen) and produce gametes (sperm/ova).

Gametes

Males: Sperm; Females: Ova (egg cells).

Accessory organs

Organs that assist in the reproductive process but are not the primary sex organs.

External structures of the male reproductive system

Testes, penis, scrotum, epididymis, and urethra.

Male internal ducts

Vas deferens, Epididymis, Ejaculatory duct, Urethra.

Male accessory glands

Seminal vesicles, Prostate gland, Bulbourethral (Cowper's) glands.

Functions of the testes

Produce sperm; Secrete androgens (mainly testosterone).

Function of the epididymis

Matures sperm as they pass through over several weeks.

Function of the vas deferens

Transports mature sperm toward the seminal vesicle.

Function of the ejaculatory duct

Carries semen through the prostate gland and into the urethra.

Function of the urethra in males

Expels both urine and semen from the body through the penis.

Secretions of seminal vesicles

A sugar-rich fluid that nourishes and protects sperm.

Function of the prostate gland

Secretes a thin, milky fluid that nourishes and thins semen to aid sperm mobility.

Function of the bulbourethral glands (Cowper's glands)

Secrete mucus-like fluid to lubricate the urethra.

Function of the penis

Delivers semen into the vagina during intercourse; encloses the urethra.

Female internal reproductive organs

Ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina.

External female reproductive organs

Labia, clitoris, vestibule, paraurethral glands, Bartholin's glands, breasts (mammary glands).

Functions of the ovaries

Release ova (eggs) during ovulation; Secrete estrogen and progesterone.

Role of fallopian tubes

Transport a mature ovum from the ovary to the uterus.

Function of the uterus

Houses and nourishes the embryo/fetus during pregnancy.

Function of the vagina

Receives the penis during intercourse, allows menstrual flow to exit, serves as the birth canal.

Labia

Protective skin folds around the vaginal opening.

Function of the clitoris

Provides sexual arousal and prepares the vagina for intercourse.

Vestibule in the female reproductive system

Area between labia minora; contains urethral and vaginal openings, and the paraurethral and Bartholin's glands.

Paraurethral (Skene's) glands

Secrete antimicrobial mucus to protect the urethra.

Role of Bartholin's glands

Secrete lubricating mucus during sexual intercourse.

Menstrual cycle

A hormone-driven 28-day cycle that prepares the body for possible pregnancy.

Follicular phase (days 1-13)

Begins on the first day of menstruation; FSH stimulates follicle maturation.

Ovulation (days 14-15)

LH surge causes the release of a mature ovum from the dominant follicle.

Luteal phase (days 16-28)

Corpus luteum forms and secretes progesterone to maintain uterine lining; if no pregnancy, corpus luteum is reabsorbed and cycle restarts.

Mammary glands

Ducts in the breasts that produce and secrete milk through the nipple to nourish a newborn.

Infertility

The inability to conceive a child.

Prostate cancer

A common male cancer that originates in the prostate gland.

STDs

Sexually transmitted diseases are passed through sexual contact and bodily fluids.

HPV

Human papillomavirus; spread through skin-to-skin contact, often via cuts or abrasions.

HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus; weakens the immune system and can lead to AIDS.

AIDS

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, the advanced stage of HIV when the immune system is severely compromised.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea

Bacteria; treatable with antibiotics.

Genital herpes

An STD caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2 (herpes simplex virus).