Chap 20

Vocabulary flashcards for the reproductive system lecture.

Somatic Cells

Body cells that contain 46 chromosomes (diploid number) sorted into 23 homologous pairs.

Gametes

Sperm and egg cells that have 23 chromosomes (haploid number), containing only one member of each homologous pair.

Autosomes

22 pairs of chromosomes that code for general human characteristics and specific traits.

Sex Chromosomes

The remaining pair of chromosomes that determine sex (XX for female, XY for male).

SRY Gene

Sex-determining region Y gene on the Y chromosome responsible for male anatomical and functional distinctions.

Mullerian Ducts

Precursors to female reproductive structures.

Wolffian Ducts

Precursors to male reproductive structures.

Testes

Primary reproductive organs in males that produce sperm and secrete testosterone.

Ovaries

Primary reproductive organs in females.

Seminiferous Tubules

Site within the testes where spermatogenesis occurs.

Leydig Cells

Cells in the interstitial tissue of the testes that produce testosterone.

Epididymis

Secondary reproductive structure in males for sperm storage.

Vas Deferens

Structure that conducts sperm out of the scrotum into the pelvic cavity.

Ejaculatory Duct

Merger point of the vas deferens and secretions from the seminal vesicles, forming semen volume.

Spermatogonia

Germ cells that undergo mitosis and meiosis to produce sperm.

Sertoli Cells

Cells that support sperm development by forming a blood-testes barrier, providing nourishment, and secreting seminiferous tubule fluid.

Acrosome

Enzyme-filled vesicle that caps the tip of the sperm head, used to penetrate the ovum.

Gonadotropins

(FSH and LH) Secretions that influence testes function.

GnRH

Stimulates the secretion of FSH and LH.

Erection

Dilation of arterioles in the penis in response to PNS, filling erectile tissue with blood.

Ejaculation

Release of sperm and semen via sympathetic NS.

Oogenesis

Production of ova in the female reproductive tract.

Oviducts (Fallopian Tubes)

Secondary reproductive organs that pick up ova on ovulation and serve as the site for fertilization.

Uterus

Responsible for the maintenance of the fetus during development and expelling the fetus at the end of pregnancy.

Vagina

Tube that connects the uterus to the external environment; lower portion is the cervix.

Estrogen

Essential for ova maturation and release, establishment of female secondary sexual characteristics.

Progesterone

Important in preparing a suitable environment for nourishing a developing embryo/fetus.

Primary Oocytes

Oocytes contained in the ovaries at birth; formed from stem cells (oogonia) during fetal development.

Graafian Follicle

Dominant follicle that releases estrogen and continues to grow.

Follicular Phase

First half of the ovarian cycle where follicles develop with FSH stimulation, leading to the formation of the Graafian follicle.

Luteal Phase

Last 14 days of the ovarian cycle where old follicular cells form the corpus luteum.

Corpus Luteum

Formed from old follicular cells; secretes progesterone and estrogen.

Menstrual Phase

Days 1-4 of the uterine cycle, characterized by the discharge of blood.

Proliferative Phase

Days 4-14 of the uterine cycle, where the endometrium proliferates under the influence of estrogen.

Secretory Phase

Days 14-28 of the uterine cycle, where the corpus luteum secretes large amounts of progesterone and estrogen.

Zygote

Fertilized ovum.