Reproductive System Lecture Review

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the male and female reproductive systems, including anatomy, physiology, and hormonal regulation.

Semen

A mixture of sperm cells and secretions from the seminal glands, prostate, and bulbo-urethral glands that provides nutrients and buffers acidity.

pH of Semen

A range of $7.2 ext{--}7.7$ (slightly alkaline), which neutralizes the acidic environment of the male urethra and female vagina.

Dartos muscle

Muscle that wrinkles the scrotal skin to reduce surface area and minimize heat loss in cold conditions.

Cremaster muscle

Muscle that raises or lowers the testes to keep testicular temperature $2 ext{--}3^{ ext{o}} ext{C}$ below core body temperature for optimal sperm production.

Pampiniform venous plexus

A network of veins surrounding the testicular artery that acts as a countercurrent heat exchanger to cool warm arterial blood.

Prostaglandins (in semen)

Secretions that decrease the viscosity of cervical mucus and stimulate reverse peristalsis in the uterus to help sperm reach the egg.

Erection (Parasympathetic phase)

The phase where parasympathetic signals cause vasodilation of penile arteries, filling erectile tissue with blood.

Ejaculation (Sympathetic phase)

A phase consisting of emission and expulsion where sympathetic signals trigger peristaltic and rhythmic contractions.

Corpora cavernosa

The bulk of erectile tissue that fills with blood under high pressure to cause rigidity of the penis.

Corpus spongiosum

Erectile tissue that surrounds the spongy urethra and keeps it open during ejaculation.

Epididymis

The site within the male duct system where sperm mature.

Anaphase II

The specific phase of meiosis during which sister chromatids separate.

Refractory period

The period of relaxation occurring after ejaculation.

Sustentocytes (Sertoli cells)

Large columnar cells that surround and support developing sperm.

Myoid cells

Smooth muscle-like cells surrounding the seminiferous tubules.

Interstitial endocrine (Leydig) cells

Cells located in the connective tissue between tubules that secrete testosterone.

Spermiogenesis

The maturation process of spermatids into functional spermatozoa involving loss of cytoplasm and formation of the acrosome, flagellum, and midpiece.

Acrosome

Part of the sperm containing hydrolytic enzymes like acrosin and hyaluronidase required to penetrate the egg's zona pellucida.

Androgen-binding protein (ABP)

A protein released by sustentocytes to maintain high testosterone levels near spermatogenic cells.

Ampulla

The part of the uterine tube where fertilization typically occurs.

Fimbriae

Projections of the infundibulum that sweep over the ovary surface to draw the oocyte into the uterine tube.

Myometrium

The layer of the uterus composed of smooth muscle that contracts during birth.

Spiral arteries

Arteries that directly serve the functional layer of the endometrium.

Atresia

The degeneration and reabsorption of ovarian follicles that do not become dominant.

Prophase I

The phase of meiosis in which primary oocytes are arrested before birth.

Metaphase II

The phase of meiosis in which secondary oocytes are arrested, only completing the process upon fertilization.

Polar bodies

Small cells produced during unequal cytoplasmic divisions in oogenesis that eventually degenerate.

Corpus luteum

The structure formed from a ruptured follicle after ovulation that secretes progesterone and estrogens.

LH surge

A massive release of gonadotropin triggered by high estrogen levels that causes ovulation on day 14 of the cycle.

Corpus albicans

The scar tissue that remains after the corpus luteum degenerates when fertilization does not occur.