ch 28 flash cards

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the human reproductive system.

Reproductive System

Ensures continued existence of human species and includes gonads, ducts, accessory glands, and external genitalia.

Gonads

Organs that produce gametes (reproductive cells) and hormones.

Accessory Glands

Glands that secrete fluids into ducts and include seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbo-urethral glands.

Spermatogenesis

The process of sperm production which includes mitosis and meiosis.

Oogenesis

The process of ovum production which starts before birth and ends at menopause.

Testes

Male gonads that secrete male hormones (androgens) and produce sperm.

Scrotum

A fleshy pouch that encloses the testes and helps regulate their temperature.

Spermatic Cord

Contains blood vessels, ductus deferens, nerves, and lymphatics of the testes.

Epididymis

A structure where sperm mature and are stored, consisting of a head, body, and tail.

Ductus Deferens

The tube that transports sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.

Prostate Gland

A gland that surrounds the prostatic urethra and produces prostatic fluid.

Ejaculatory Duct

A duct that carries sperm from the ductus deferens to the urethra.

Bulbo-Urethral Gland

Glands that secrete a thick, alkaline mucus that lubricates the urethra.

Semen

The fluid that is ejaculated, containing sperm and seminal fluid.

Erectile Tissue

Fluid-filled tissue in the penis that allows for an erection.

Urethra

The duct used by both the urinary and reproductive systems in males.

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

Hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that promotes the development of ovarian follicles and spermatogenesis.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

Hormone that stimulates ovulation in females and testosterone production in males.

Gametes

Reproductive cells: sperm in males and oocytes in females.

Androgens

Male sex hormones, primarily testosterone, produced in the testes.

Estrogens

Female sex hormones, primarily estradiol, produced in ovaries.

Menstrual Cycle

The monthly cycle of changes in the female reproductive system.

Menarche

The first menstrual cycle or first occurrence of menstruation.

Menopause

The termination of menstrual cycles, usually occurring between ages 45-55.

Endometrium

The inner lining of the uterus that thickens during the menstrual cycle.

Myometrium

The thick, muscular layer of the uterine wall.

Perimetrium

The outer serous layer of the uterus.

Ovarian Cycle

The monthly cycle of maturation, ovulation, and degeneration of ovarian follicles.

Ovulation

The release of a secondary oocyte from the ovarian follicle.

Corpus Luteum

Structure formed from the remnants of the ovarian follicle after ovulation, secretes progesterone.

Inhibin

Hormone secreted by nurse cells that depresses FSH production in the male reproductive system.

Testosterone

Primary male sex hormone responsible for developing male secondary sex characteristics.

Sertoli Cells

Nurse cells in the seminiferous tubules that support sperm development.

Spermatid

Immature sperm cells that differentiate into mature sperm.

Spermiogenesis

The final stage of sperm development where spermatids mature into sperm.

Acrosome

Cap-like structure on a sperm cell that contains enzymes for fertilization.

Seminal Fluid

Fluid produced by accessory glands to nourish and transport sperm.

Cilia

Hair-like structures that help move sperm through ductules.

Follicular Phase

The phase of the ovarian cycle before ovulation characterized by the maturation of ovarian follicles.

Luteal Phase

The phase after ovulation when the corpus luteum forms and secretes hormones.

Vagina

Elastic, muscular tube extending from the external genitals to the cervix.

Hymen

A membrane that partially covers the vaginal opening in females.

Menstrual Phase

Stage in the uterine cycle characterized by the shedding of the endometrial lining.

Proliferative Phase

Stage in the uterine cycle characterized by rebuilding the endometrial lining after menstruation.

Secretory Phase

Stage in the uterine cycle characterized by glandular secretion in preparation for potential implantation of an embryo.

Cervix

The lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

Oocyte

Immature female gamete produced in the ovaries.

Polar Bodies

Small cells that are produced during oogenesis that do not develop into ova.

Primordial Follicle

The simplest form of an ovarian follicle consisting of an oocyte surrounded by granulosa cells.

Tertiary Follicle

Mature ovarian follicle ready to be ovulated.

Zona Pellucida

The glycoprotein layer surrounding an oocyte.

Cervical Mucus

Fluid produced by cervical glands, facilitates sperm passage and protects against pathogens.

Fertilization

Process where a sperm cell merges with an oocyte.

Capacitation

The maturation process that sperm must undergo to acquire the ability to fertilize an egg.

Ovarian Ligament

Connects the ovary to the uterus.

Suspensory Ligament

Connects the ovary to the pelvic wall.

Recto-Uterine Pouch

Space between the rectum and posterior uterine wall.

Vesico-Uterine Pouch

Space between the urinary bladder and the anterior uterine wall.

Estrogen

Hormones responsible for the development of female secondary sexual characteristics.

Progesterone

Hormone that maintains the endometrium after ovulation.

Breast Anatomy

Includes lobes and ducts responsible for milk production and delivery.

Mammary Glands

Glands in the female breast that produce milk.

Lactation

Production and secretion of milk from mammary glands.

Nipple

The structure through which milk is delivered from the breast.

Areola

Pigmented area around the nipple.

Hormonal Regulation

The mechanisms of hormone actions that affect reproductive functions.