Male and Female Reproductive Systems Review

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards detailing the male and female reproductive systems, hormonal regulation, and the menstrual cycle.

Testes

Structures that produce sperm and testosterone.

Seminiferous tubules

The specific site of sperm production.

Interstitial (Leydig) cells

Cells that produce testosterone.

Scrotum

A structure that keeps testes cooler than body temperature.

Epididymis

The location where sperm mature and are stored.

Vas deferens

The structure that transports sperm.

Seminal vesicles

Glands that add fructose-rich fluid to semen for energy.

Prostate gland

Adds alkaline fluid that activates sperm and neutralizes acidic environments.

Cowper's glands

Produce lubricating mucus that neutralizes acidic urine residue.

Acrosome

Part of the sperm head containing enzymes to penetrate the egg.

Midpiece

Part of the sperm cell that contains mitochondria for $ATP$ production.

Flagellum

The tail of the sperm cell that propels it.

Ovaries

Structures that produce eggs, estrogen, and progesterone.

Follicle

A structure within the ovary that contains a developing egg.

Corpus luteum

A structure that forms after ovulation and produces progesterone to maintain the endometrium.

Fallopian tube (oviduct)

The site where fertilization usually occurs.

Endometrium

The uterine lining where an embryo implants.

Flow Phase

The phase of the menstrual cycle occurring during Days $1$ to $5$ where the endometrium sheds.

Follicular Phase

The phase occurring during Days $1$ to $13$ where $FSH$ stimulates follicle growth and the endometrium rebuilds.

Ovulation

Process occurring on Day $14$ where an $LH$ surge causes the release of an egg.

Luteal Phase

The phase occurring during Days $15$ to $28$ where the corpus luteum forms and progesterone levels rise.

GnRH

Hormone that stimulates the release of $FSH$ and $LH$ from the brain.

FSH

Hormone that stimulates follicle development in the ovaries.

LH

Hormone that triggers ovulation.

HCG

Hormone released by an embryo that maintains the corpus luteum and prevents menstruation.

Birth control pills

Medications that supply estrogen and progesterone to inhibit ovulation and thicken cervical mucus.