Reproductive System Vocabulary Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering human male and female reproductive physiology, gametogenesis, hormonal cycles, and contraceptive mechanisms.

Spermatogenesis

The formation and maturation of sperm cells (spermatozoa) in the seminiferous tubules of the testes, which begins at puberty.

Sertoli cells

Cells located within the seminiferous tubules that support, nourish, and regulate developing sperm cells.

Leydig cells

Cells located between the seminiferous tubules that produce testosterone, supporting male reproductive function and spermatogenesis.

Spermiogenesis

The phase of spermatogenesis where haploid spermatids undergo structural remodeling into mature spermatozoa, distinct from meiotic cell division.

Acrosome

A structure on the head of a sperm cell that contains enzymes to help penetrate the outer coverings of the egg during fertilization.

Sperm Midpiece

The central section of a sperm cell packed with mitochondria that supply ATP for flagellar movement.

Oogenesis

The process of female gamete development in the ovaries, which begins before birth and involves unequal cell division.

Primary oocyte

A diploid female germ cell formed during the fetal period that enters meiosis I and remains arrested in prophase I until after puberty.

Secondary oocyte

The haploid female cell arrested in metaphase II that is released from the ovary during ovulation.

Polar body

A non-functional cell produced during the unequal cytokinesis of oogenesis, allowing the primary/secondary oocyte to retain most of the cytoplasm.

Ovarian Cycle

The monthly sequence of events in the ovary consisting of the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase.

Uterine Cycle

The series of monthly changes in the endometrial lining of the uterus, consisting of the menstrual phase, proliferative phase, and secretory phase.

Follicular phase

The first half of the ovarian cycle during which ovarian follicles develop and estrogen levels rise as the dominant follicle matures.

Ovulation

The mid-cycle release of a secondary oocyte from the ovary, triggered by a sudden surge in luteinizing hormone (LH).

Luteal phase

The post-ovulatory phase of the ovarian cycle in which the ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum.

Menstrual phase

The initial uterine phase during which the functional layer of the endometrium is shed, resulting in menstrual bleeding.

Proliferative phase

The uterine phase following menstruation in which rising estrogen levels stimulate the rebuilding and thickening of the endometrium.

Secretory phase

The uterine phase following ovulation dominated by progesterone, which prepares and stabilizes the endometrium for embryo implantation.

GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone)

A hormone released by the hypothalamus that initiates reproductive hormone signaling by stimulating the anterior pituitary to release FSH and LH.

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

An anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates follicle development in females and supports Sertoli cell function in males.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

An anterior pituitary hormone that triggers ovulation in females and stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone in males.

Corpus luteum

A temporary endocrine structure formed from the ruptured follicle after ovulation that secretes progesterone and estrogen.

Positive Feedback (Menstrual Cycle)

The mechanism immediately before ovulation where sustained high estrogen levels stimulate increased LH secretion from the pituitary gland, creating the LH surge.

Negative Feedback (Menstrual Cycle)

The regulatory mechanism occurring throughout most of the cycle where rising levels of ovarian hormones suppress the release of GnRH, FSH, and LH.

hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

A hormone secreted by the early embryo that maintains the corpus luteum and its progesterone production during early pregnancy.

Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC)

A hormonal birth control method containing estrogen and progestin that prevents ovulation by suppressing FSH and LH signaling.

Copper IUD

A long-acting, non-hormonal intrauterine device that releases copper into the uterus to impair sperm function and prevent fertilization.

Condom

A barrier contraceptive method that physically prevents sperm entry into the female reproductive tract and reduces the transmission risk of STIs.

Vasectomy

A surgical procedure intended as permanent male contraception that interrupts the pathway carrying sperm.

Tubal ligation

A surgical procedure intended as permanent female contraception that interrupts the reproductive path in the fallopian tubes.