Reproductive Biology and Cell Division Practice Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the male and female reproductive systems, the process of fertilisation, DNA structure, and the stages of the cell cycle/mitosis.

Scrotum

The skin covered pouch that holds the testes and is internally divided into two pouches.

Testes

The two primary male reproductive organs that produce sperm.

Epididymis

A filed tube where sperm are stored and matured.

Vas deferens

The sperm duct that carries sperm away from the testes to the urethra.

Urethra

The tube that runs through the penis which can carry either urine or semen.

Penis

The male organ responsible for transferring semen from the male to the female.

Seminiferous tubules

Coiled tubes located in the testes where sperm cells are produced.

Seminal vesicles

Two glands that secrete a fluid making up most ($60\%$) of the semen.

Prostate gland

A gland that secretes a fluid which constitutes part of the semen.

Bulbourethral glands

Two glands that secrete a clear mucus just before semen is ejected to act as a lubricant.

Ovaries

Two small oval-shaped organs that contain follicles and produce eggs.

Follicle

A small sac in the ovary that contains and nourishes a developing egg.

Uterine tubes

Also known as fallopian tubes, these two tubes extend from the ovaries and lead to the uterus.

Uterus

A hollow, muscular organ with a soft lining where a fertilised egg implants.

Endometrium

The soft, blood-rich lining of the uterus that thickens to prepare for pregnancy.

Cervix

The lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina and opens during childbirth.

Sexual intercourse

The reproductive process in which an erect penis is inserted into the vagina.

Ejaculation

The process where muscular contractions push the contents of the epididymis out through the penis.

Fertilisation

The process occurring when the head of one sperm penetrates an ovum.

Nucleotide

The component of DNA consisting of a sugar, a phosphate, and a base.

Cell cycle

The life cycle of a cell that allows for growth, repair of damage, and replacement of dead cells.

Mitosis

A process involving one division of cellular materials to create two identical diploid daughter cells for growth and repair.

Chromosome

A structure made of DNA containing many genes, typically consisting of two chromatids joined by a centromere.

Implantation

The process occurring $4-5$ days after fertilisation where a cell mass of about $16$ cells forms a hollow ball and attaches to the uterine wall.

Interphase

The stage before mitosis begins during which the cell prepares to divide.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis where chromatin condenses into chromosomes.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes line up along the middle of the cell.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids separate and are pulled to opposite ends of the cell.

Telophase

The stage where the nucleus and then the cytoplasm gradually split into two new daughter cells.

Cytokinesis

The process where the cell membrane moves inward to create two separate daughter cells, each with its own nucleus.

DNA Location

DNA is found specifically in the nucleus of the cell.

Gene

A segment found on DNA or chromosomes in the nucleus that serves as a code for a protein.