Human Reproduction Practice Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the male and female reproductive systems, gametogenesis, the menstrual cycle, and foetal development based on the human reproduction lecture notes.

Seminiferous tubules

Tubules in the testes lined by germinal epithelium cells which produce sperm cells.

Sertoli cells

Cells in the seminiferous tubules that provide nutrients for the spermatids to become mature sperm cells.

Cells of Leydig

Cells located in the connective tissue surrounding the seminiferous tubules that produce testosterone.

Testosterone

The male sex hormone responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics and stimulating the maturation of sperm cells.

Acrosome

A vesicle in the head of a sperm cell containing enzymes that dissolve the outer layer of the egg to allow fertilisation.

Sperm Middle Portion

The part of the sperm cell containing mitochondria which provides energy for movement.

Spermatogenesis

The production of male gametes through meiosis where diploid germinal epithelial cells ($2n$) produce $4$ haploid spermatids ($n$).

Oestrogen

Produced by the Graafian follicle, this hormone develops female secondary sexual characteristics and thickens the endometrium.

Progesterone

A hormone secreted by the corpus luteum and later the placenta (after $12$ weeks) to maintain the thickness of the endometrium.

Oogenesis

The production of female gametes through meiosis; only one mature ovum survives from the $4$ haploid cells produced.

Puberty

The period, usually beginning between ages $11$ and $15$, during which males and females reach sexual maturity.

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

The hormone responsible for the development of follicles in the ovary; its secretion is inhibited by high levels of progesterone.

Luteinising hormone (LH)

The hormone released by the pituitary gland that stimulates ovulation on day $14$ and converts the ruptured Graafian follicle into the corpus luteum.

Graafian follicle

A mature follicle containing a mature ovum that produces the hormone oestrogen.

Corpus luteum

The structure formed from a ruptured Graafian follicle that secretes progesterone; it degenerates if fertilisation does not occur.

Endometrium

The inner lining of the uterus which breaks down during menstruation or serves as the site for implantation.

Fallopian tube

The part of the female reproductive system where the haploid sperm fuses with the haploid ovum (fertilisation).

Zygote

The diploid cell ($2n$) formed by the process of fertilisation.

Morula

A solid ball of cells formed from the zygote through mitosis.

Blastocyst/blastula

A hollow ball of cells formed from the morula that embeds itself into the endometrium during implantation.

Chorion

The outermost extra-embryonic membrane that extends into chorionic villi to form the placenta.

Placenta

The point of attachment between mother and foetus that allows for diffusion of nutrients, oxygen, and waste, and secretes progesterone after $12$ weeks.

Amnion

The membrane that forms the amniotic cavity containing amniotic fluid.

Amniotic fluid

A fluid that protects the foetus against mechanical injury (shock-absorber), prevents dehydration, and maintains temperature.

Umbilical artery

The two vessels in the umbilical cord that carry deoxygenated blood and waste products from the foetus to the placenta.

Umbilical vein

The single vessel in the umbilical cord that carries oxygenated blood and nutrients from the placenta to the foetus.

Gestation

The period between fertilisation and birth, lasting approximately $40$ weeks ($280$ days).

Prolactin

A hormone produced by the pituitary gland/hypophysis that stimulates milk production in human females.

Vas deferens

The male reproductive tube that connects the testis with the urethra.

Copulation

The introduction of the male sex organ into the female sex canal followed by a discharge of semen.