Reproductive System

Vocabulary flashcards defining the major structures, glands, ducts, tissues, and peritoneal ligaments of both the male and female reproductive systems based on lecture notes.

Exocrine Glands

Glands that secrete onto a surface, either directly or through a duct (e.g., sweat glands).

Endocrine Glands

Ductless glands that secrete internally, utilizing the cardiovascular system for distribution (e.g., thyroid gland).

Tunica Albuginea

The thick white outer covering of the testes.

Seminiferous Tubules

Structures within the testes that serve as the site of sperm production.

Efferent Ductules

Structures that connect the seminiferous tubules to the epididymis.

Epididymis

Structure that stores sperm until maturation.

Ductus (Vas) Deferens

Tube that propels sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.

Spermatic Cord

A fascial sheath derived from the abdominal wall running from the inguinal canal to the scrotum, enclosing the ductus deferens, testicular vessels, lymphatics, and nerves.

Seminal Vesicles

Glands on the posterior wall of the urinary bladder that produce 60% of seminal fluid containing fructose and other substances to nourish sperm and promote fertilization.

Prostate Gland

Male accessory gland encircling the urethra inferior to the bladder, producing secretions that play a role in activating sperm.

Bulbourethral Glands

Also known as Cowper's glands; tiny, pea-shaped glands inferior to the prostate that produce a thick, clear, alkaline mucus to wash out residual urine and buffer sperm against female tract acidity.

Prostatic Urethra

The portion of the male urethra located within the prostate that receives the ejaculatory duct.

Membranous Urethra

The portion of the male urethra located within the pelvic floor.

Penile (Spongy) Urethra

The portion of the male urethra located within the penis.

Ovaries

Primary female reproductive organs located within the pelvis and covered by peritoneum that produce the ovum and hormones progesterone and estrogen.

Infundibulum

The widest part of the uterine tube containing fingerlike extensions called fimbriae to aid in propelling the ovum.

Ampulla

The middle section of the uterine tube, which is usually the location of fertilization.

Isthmus

The narrowest part of the uterine tube, attached directly to the uterus.

Perimetrium

The outer lining of visceral peritoneum covering the uterus.

Myometrium

The middle muscular layer of the uterus.

Endometrium

The inner lining of the uterus for pregnancy that proliferates with each hormonal cycle, helping develop the placenta if fertilized or sloughing off as menstrual flow if unfertilized.

Suspensory Ligament

Peritoneal fold that surrounds the ovarian vessels and nerves.

Broad Ligament

Peritoneal fold that surrounds the uterine tubes, uterus, ovaries, and ovarian ligament.

Ovarian Ligament

Structure that anchors the ovaries to the uterus.

Round Ligament of the Uterus

Structure that anchors the uterus anteriorly to the labia majora.

Mons Pubis

A mound of fat lying over the pubic symphysis.

Clitoris

Erectile tissue of the female external genitalia that is homologous to the penis.

Labia Majora

Outer fold of the female external genitalia that is homologous to the scrotum.

Labia Minora

Inner fold of the female external genitalia that converges anteriorly at the clitoris.