Human Reproductive System

A set of 80 vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts of the human reproductive system, including processes, hormones, and anatomical structures.

Sexual Reproduction

A process that mixes genetic material from two parents, increasing genetic variation.

Asexual Reproduction

Reproduction that produces genetic clones via mitosis without mixing genetic material.

Gametes

Haploid cells (sperm and egg) that fuse during fertilization to form a zygote.

Gametogenesis

The process of creating haploid gametes through meiosis.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces chromosome number by half, resulting in four haploid cells.

Fertilization

The fusion of sperm and egg to form a diploid zygote.

Spermatogenesis

The process by which male gametes (sperm) are produced.

Oogenesis

The process by which female gametes (eggs) are produced.

Spermatogonia

Diploid male germ cells in the testes that undergo spermatogenesis.

Primary Oocyte

A female germ cell that is arrested in Meiosis I and present in females before birth.

Ovulation

The release of a mature egg from the ovary.

Corpus Luteum

A hormone-secreting structure that develops from a follicle after ovulation.

Progesterone

A hormone produced by the corpus luteum that prepares the endometrium for implantation.

Capacitation

The process that sperm undergo to gain motility and the ability to fertilize an egg.

Chemotaxis

The movement of sperm towards the egg, guided by the presence of certain chemicals.

Acrosomal Reaction

The release of enzymes from sperm that helps it penetrate the egg's protective layers.

Polyspermy

Condition where multiple sperm fertilize an egg, leading to developmental failures; blocked by the zona pellucida.

Syngamy

The fusion of the sperm nucleus with the egg nucleus.

Chromosomal Sex Determination

The genetic mechanism that determines sex, e.g., XX for female and XY for male.

Bipotential Gonads

The undifferentiated precursor structures in embryos that can develop into either ovaries or testes.

Wolffian Ducts

The embryonic structures that develop into male reproductive structures in the presence of SRY.

Müllerian Ducts

The embryonic structures that develop into female reproductive structures in the absence of SRY.

SRY Gene

The gene on the Y chromosome that drives male sexual differentiation.

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)

A hormone produced by Sertoli cells that causes regression of Müllerian ducts in males.

Leydig Cells

Cells in the testes that produce testosterone in response to LH.

Testosterone

A primary male sex hormone that promotes spermatogenesis and male secondary sex characteristics.

Menstrual Cycle

The monthly cycle of changes in the female reproductive system, regulated by hormones.

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

A hormone that stimulates follicle growth in females and spermatogenesis in males.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

A hormone that triggers ovulation in females and testosterone production in males.

Estrogen

A group of hormones responsible for the development of female secondary sex characteristics and regulation of the menstrual cycle.

Inhibin

A hormone that inhibits FSH production as part of feedback regulation.

Puberty

The stage of development during which individuals become sexually mature.

GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone)

A hormone secreted by the hypothalamus that stimulates the anterior pituitary to release FSH and LH.

Cervical Mucus

Fluid produced by glands in the cervix that changes in consistency during the menstrual cycle.

Luteal Phase

The phase of the menstrual cycle after ovulation when the corpus luteum develops and secretes progesterone.

Estradiol

A form of estrogen produced by developing follicles that regulates the menstrual cycle.

Menstrual Phase

The phase where the functional endometrium is shed, resulting in menstrual bleeding.

Excitement Phase

The initial phase of sexual arousal characterized by increased heart rate and blood flow to the genitals.

Plateau Phase

The phase of sexual arousal just before orgasm, during which arousal intensifies.

Orgasm Phase

The climactic phase of sexual arousal, marked by intense pleasure and muscle contractions.

Resolution Phase

The period following orgasm during which the body returns to its normal state.

Implantation

The process of the blastocyst embedding itself into the uterine wall.

Placenta

An organ that forms during pregnancy for nutrient and waste exchange between mother and fetus.

hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

A hormone produced by the placenta that maintains the corpus luteum and is detected in pregnancy tests.

Labor

The process during which the uterus contracts to expel the fetus during childbirth.

Parturition

The act of giving birth, initiated by hormonal changes and uterine contractions.

Fetal Heart Rate

The heart rate of a fetus, monitored during pregnancy and labor.

Gestation

The period of development of the fetus in the womb from conception to birth.

Trophoblast Cells

Cells that form the outer layer of the blastocyst and contribute to the placenta.

Uterus

The muscular organ where implantation occurs and fetal development takes place.

Acid Neutralization

The process by which the acidic environment of the vagina is neutralized during male sexual arousal.

Erectile Tissue

The tissue that engorges with blood to produce an erection.

Cardiac Output

The amount of blood the heart pumps in a given period, which increases during pregnancy.

Prostaglandins

Hormones that promote uterine contractions and are involved in the menstrual cycle.