BIO 181 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II: Reproductive System & Development

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the lecture on the reproductive system and human development.

Maine Reproductive System Functions

The male reproductive system produces sperm and hormones, while the female reproductive system produces eggs, hormones, and sustains a developing fetus.

Spermatogenesis

The process of sperm cell development, including stages such as spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa.

Oogenesis

The process of egg cell development, involving stages such as oogonia, primary oocytes, secondary oocytes, and ovum.

Gonads

The primary reproductive organs: testes in males and ovaries in females.

Gametes

Reproductive cells that unite during fertilization; sperm in males and ova in females.

Zygote

The fertilized egg formed by the union of sperm and egg.

Gametogenesis

The process of forming gametes through meiosis in the gonads.

Fertilization

The union of sperm and egg to form a zygote.

Male Reproductive Structures

Includes testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and penis.

Path of Sperm Upon Ejaculation

Sperm travels from the testes, through the epididymis, into the vas deferens, then to the urethra for ejaculation.

Seminal Fluid Composition

Semen is composed of sperm and fluid from seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands.

Hormonal Negative Feedback Control

Regulation of the male reproductive system via GnRH, FSH, LH, testosterone, and inhibin.

GnRH

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; stimulates the release of FSH and LH from the pituitary gland.

FSH

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone; stimulates sperm production in males and ovarian follicle development in females.

LH

Luteinizing Hormone; stimulates testosterone production in males and ovulation in females.

Inhibin

A hormone that inhibits FSH production to regulate sperm production.

Female Reproductive Structures

Includes ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina.

Ovarian Follicle

A structure containing an immature egg (oocyte) that develops during the menstrual cycle.

Graafian Follicle

The mature ovarian follicle just before ovulation.

Antrum

The fluid-filled cavity in the ovarian follicle.

Corona Radiata

The layer of epithelial cells surrounding the oocyte after ovulation.

Zona Pellucida

The thick transparent layer surrounding the oocyte that plays a role in fertilization.

Ovulation

The release of a mature egg from a Graafian follicle.

Corpus Luteum

The hormone-secreting structure that develops in an ovary after an ovum has been discharged.

Corpus Albicans

The degenerated corpus luteum when pregnancy does not occur.

Menstrual Cycle

The cyclical series of changes in the female reproductive system, regulated by hormones.

LH Levels During Ovarian Cycle

LH surges to trigger ovulation and maintains the corpus luteum.

FSH Levels During Ovarian Cycle

FSH stimulates follicular development and estrogen production.

Estrogen

A hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle and reproductive system functions.

Progesterone

A hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy and supports the early stages of pregnancy.

Proliferative Phase of Uterine Cycle

The phase after menstruation where the uterine lining thickens due to estrogen.

Secretory Phase of Uterine Cycle

The phase following ovulation where the uterine lining is maintained by progesterone.

Follicle Development Stages

Includes primordial, primary, secondary, and tertiary (Graafian) follicles.

Ovarian Cycle Phases

Divided into the follicular and luteal phases.

Uterine Cycle Phases

Divided into menstrual, proliferative, and secretory phases.

Embryonic Development Stages

Includes zygote, 2-cell stage, 4-cell stage, 8-cell stage, morula, and blastocyst stages.

Capacitation

The process that sperm undergo to become capable of fertilizing an egg.

Fertilization Process

The union of sperm and egg, resulting in the formation of a zygote.

Implantation

The attachment of the blastocyst to the uterine wall.

Pregnancy Duration

Typically lasts about 40 weeks, referred to as the gestation period.

Conceptus

The developing organism from fertilization until the end of the eighth week of gestation.

Germ Layers

Three primary layers formed during embryonic development: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.

Ectoderm

The outermost germ layer that develops into skin and nervous tissue.

Mesoderm

The middle germ layer that forms muscle, bone, and the circulatory system.

Endoderm

The innermost germ layer that develops into the gastrointestinal tract and other internal organs.

Embryo vs. Fetus

An embryo is the stage from fertilization to 8 weeks, while a fetus is the stage from 8 weeks until birth.

Prolactin Function

A hormone important for milk production in females.

Oxytocin Function

A hormone that stimulates uterine contractions during labor and milk ejection during breastfeeding.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

A hormone produced during pregnancy that maintains the corpus luteum.

Induction of Labor

The process of stimulating uterine contractions to initiate labor.

Stages of Labor

Includes dilation, expulsion (delivery), and placental stages.

Milk Let-Down Reflex

The release of milk from the mammary glands initiated by suckling.

Chorionic Villi

Finger-like projections from the placenta that facilitate nutrient and gas exchange.

Amnion

The membrane that surrounds and protects the fetus during development.

Chorion

The outer membrane surrounding the embryo that contributes to the placenta.

Allantois

An embryonic structure that develops into the umbilical cord and contributes to gas exchange.

Yolk Sac

An embryonic structure that provides nutrients to the developing embryo before the placenta is formed.

Functions of the Placenta

Nutrient uptake, waste elimination, and gas exchange between mother and fetus.

Embryonic Cleavage

The series of rapid cell divisions following fertilization that create a multicellular embryo.

Blastocyst

A stage in embryonic development that consists of an inner cell mass and outer trophoblast.

Gastrulation

The process during embryonic development where the three germ layers form from the inner cell mass.

Umbilical Cord

The structure connecting the developing fetus to the placenta.

Maternal-Fetal Blood Exchange

The process by which nutrients and oxygen are exchanged between maternal and fetal blood through the placenta.

Stages of Labor Order

1. Dilation, 2. Expulsion, 3. Placental.

Positive Feedback Mechanism of Milk Production

The process where the release of oxytocin stimulates milk ejection, further encouraging breastfeeding.