Reproductive System: Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis/Folliculogenesis

These flashcards cover the key vocabulary and concepts related to spermatogenesis, oogenesis, and folliculogenesis in the reproductive system.

Spermatogenesis

The process of sperm production in seminiferous tubules.

Type A Spermatogonia

Diploid germ cells that mitotically divide to produce more cells.

Type B Spermatogonia

Germ cells that differentiate into spermatozoa.

Primary Spermatocyte

The first stage of spermatocytes that undergo meiosis I.

Secondary Spermatocyte

The resulting haploid cells after primary spermatocytes undergo meiosis I.

Spermatid

Haploid cells that form after the second meiotic division.

Spermiogenesis

The transformation of spermatids into mature spermatozoa.

Spermatozoa

Mature sperm cells capable of fertilization.

Acrosome

Enzyme cap over the nucleus of a sperm that aids in penetrating the egg.

Basal body

The attachment point of the flagellum to the sperm cell.

Midpiece

Region of the sperm tail containing mitochondria for ATP production.

Tail

The flagellum of the sperm, responsible for motility.

Spermiation

The release of spermatozoa into the lumen of seminiferous tubules.

Oogenesis

The process of egg production in female organisms.

Ovum

Any stage from primary oocyte to fertilized egg.

Oogonia

Diploid precursor cells that develop into primary oocytes.

Primary oocyte

A diploid cell that undergoes the first meiotic division.

Secondary oocyte

Haploid cell resulting from meiosis I of the primary oocyte.

First polar body

Small cell produced from meiosis I that typically degenerates.

Second polar body

Cell produced from meiosis II that typically degenerates.

Zygote

The fertilized egg resulting from the fusion of sperm and oocyte.

Folliculogenesis

The development of ovarian follicles surrounding the oocyte.

Primordial follicles

Initial stage of follicles containing primary oocytes.

Zona pellucida

Glycoprotein layer surrounding the oocyte.

Primary follicles

Follicles with a single layer of cuboidal granulosa cells.

Granulosa cells

Cells that surround the oocyte and secrete substances for its development.

Secondary follicles

Follicles with multiple layers of granulosa cells and a zona pellucida.

Thecal cells

Cells that form a layer around granulosa cells and produce androgens.

Antral follicles

Follicles with fluid-filled spaces called antra.

Antrum

The fluid-filled cavity within an antral follicle.

Cumulus oophorus

Granulosa cells that surround and anchor the oocyte.

Corona radiata

Layer of cells surrounding the mature oocyte at ovulation.

Mature/Graafian follicles

Advanced follicles ready to ovulate the oocyte.

Corpus hemorrhagicum

The ruptured follicle immediately after ovulation.

Corpus luteum

The remnant of the follicle after ovulation that secretes hormones.

Corpus albicans

Scar tissue formed from a degenerated corpus luteum.

Mitosis

Cell division that produces two genetically identical daughter cells.

Meiosis

Cell division that reduces chromosome number and produces gametes.

Spermatocytogenesis

The series of cell divisions from spermatogonia to spermatids.

Spermatogenesis phases

Includes spermatocytogenesis, spermiogenesis, and spermiation.

Meiosis I

First meiotic division which separates homologous chromosomes.

Meiosis II

Second meiotic division that separates sister chromatids.

Fertilization

The fusion of sperm and oocyte resulting in a zygote.

Hormonal regulation

Hormones control the development and maturation of oocytes and follicles.

Atresia

Degeneration of ovarian follicles that do not mature.