Human Reproduction – Key Vocabulary

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A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the major structures, processes, hormones, and events of human reproduction as discussed in the lecture.

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67 Terms

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Reproduction

Biological process by which organisms produce offspring to ensure species continuity.

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Sexual Reproduction

Type of reproduction involving formation and fusion of male and female gametes.

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Viviparous

Organisms that give birth to live young instead of laying eggs (e.g., humans).

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Sexual Dimorphism

Distinct difference in appearance between male and female individuals of a species.

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Puberty

Developmental stage when gametogenesis and secondary sexual characteristics begin.

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Gametogenesis

General term for the formation of gametes (spermatogenesis in males, oogenesis in females).

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Spermatogenesis

Process of sperm formation from spermatogonia in the testes, starting at puberty and continuing throughout life.

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Oogenesis

Formation of ova in the ovary, beginning during foetal life and completing only after fertilisation.

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Primary Sex Organs

Organs that produce gametes and sex hormones (testes in males, ovaries in females).

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Secondary Sex Organs

Structures that support gamete transport, fertilisation, and development (e.g., ducts, glands, uterus, vagina).

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Accessory Ducts (Male)

Vas efferentia, epididymis, vas deferens, ejaculatory duct, urethra – transport and store sperm.

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Accessory Glands (Male)

Seminal vesicles, prostate gland, bulbourethral glands; add secretions to form semen.

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Scrotum

Pouch outside the abdominal cavity that houses testes and maintains temperature 2–2.5 °C below body temp.

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Penis

External male copulatory organ that delivers semen into the female reproductive tract.

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Testis

Male primary sex organ; produces sperm and androgens.

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Seminiferous Tubules

Highly coiled structures in testicular lobules where spermatogenesis occurs.

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Sertoli Cells

Nurse cells in seminiferous tubules that provide nutrition and secrete Sperm Maturation Factor.

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Leydig Cells

Interstitial cells between seminiferous tubules that secrete male sex hormones (androgens).

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Epididymis

6 m long coiled duct on posterior testis; site of sperm maturation and temporary storage.

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Vas Deferens

Duct transporting sperm from epididymis to ejaculatory duct; loops over urinary bladder.

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Ejaculatory Duct

Formed by union of vas deferens and duct of seminal vesicle; opens into urethra.

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Urethra (Male)

Shared terminal duct for urinary and reproductive systems in males (uro-genital duct).

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Seminal Vesicle

Paired gland producing fructose-rich seminal plasma (60–70 % of semen).

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Prostate Gland

Single gland below bladder adding calcium and enzymes to semen (25–30 %).

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Bulbourethral (Cowper’s) Gland

Paired glands producing mucus for lubrication of urethra and penis.

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Semen

Mixture of spermatozoa and seminal plasma; pH 7.2-7.5, 2.5-5 ml per ejaculation.

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Spermiogenesis

Transformation of spermatids into mature spermatozoa.

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Spermiation

Release of mature sperm into lumen of seminiferous tubules.

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Acrosome

Cap-like structure on sperm head containing enzymes for penetration of ovum.

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Middle Piece (Sperm)

Region rich in mitochondria providing ATP for motility.

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Capacitation

Functional maturation of sperm in female tract that enhances motility and prepares acrosome reaction.

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Acrosomal Reaction

Release of acrosomal enzymes (hyaluronidase, CPE, ZP lysin) to penetrate ovum’s layers.

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Syngamy

Fusion of male and female pronuclei forming diploid zygote.

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Morula

Solid ball of 8–16 blastomeres formed after cleavage of zygote.

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Blastocyst

Early embryo with trophoblast outer layer, inner cell mass, and blastocoel.

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Trophoblast

Outer layer of blastocyst that forms part of placenta and mediates implantation.

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Inner Cell Mass (ICM)

Group of cells within blastocyst that forms the embryo proper (pluripotent stem cells).

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Implantation

Embedding of blastocyst into uterine endometrium about 6–7 days after fertilisation.

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Gastrulation

Developmental process forming three germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm.

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Placenta

Temporary organ formed from maternal endometrium and fetal chorion for nutrient, gas, and waste exchange.

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Umbilical Cord

Connection between fetus and placenta containing blood vessels for exchange.

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hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

Placental hormone maintaining corpus luteum; basis of pregnancy tests.

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hPL (Human Placental Lactogen)

Placental hormone promoting maternal milk gland preparation and fetal growth.

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Relaxin

Placental hormone that relaxes ligaments and widens pubic symphysis for childbirth.

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Gestation

Period of fetal development in uterus; ~9 months in humans, divided into three trimesters.

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Parturition

Process of childbirth triggered by foetal ejection reflex and oxytocin-mediated uterine contractions.

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Lactation

Production and secretion of milk from mammary glands after childbirth.

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Colostrum

First yellowish milk rich in antibodies crucial for neonatal immunity.

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Menstrual Cycle

Cyclic changes in ovaries and uterus (~28 days) in human females.

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Menarche

Onset of first menstrual cycle at puberty.

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Menopause

Permanent cessation of menstrual cycles, typically around 50 years of age.

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Follicular (Proliferative) Phase

Pre-ovulatory phase with follicle growth and endometrial regeneration; rising FSH, LH, estrogen.

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Ovulation

Release of secondary oocyte from Graafian follicle around mid-cycle (LH surge).

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Luteal (Secretory) Phase

Post-ovulatory phase with corpus luteum secreting progesterone to maintain endometrium.

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LH Surge

Sharp mid-cycle rise in luteinising hormone that triggers ovulation.

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Corpus Luteum

Yellow endocrine body formed from ruptured follicle; secretes progesterone and some estrogen.

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FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)

Anterior pituitary hormone stimulating gametogenesis and follicular development.

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LH (Luteinising Hormone)

Pituitary hormone stimulating Leydig cells in males and ovulation/corpus luteum formation in females.

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GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone)

Hypothalamic hormone regulating release of FSH and LH from anterior pituitary.

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Estrogen

Ovarian steroid promoting follicular growth, secondary sexual traits, and endometrial proliferation.

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Progesterone

Ovarian hormone from corpus luteum maintaining endometrium and pregnancy.

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Graafian Follicle

Mature ovarian follicle with large antrum containing secondary oocyte ready for ovulation.

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Zona Pellucida

Glycoprotein coat around oocyte that mediates sperm binding and blocks polyspermy.

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Corona Radiata

Layer of follicular cells surrounding zona pellucida of ovulated secondary oocyte.

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Ampullary-Isthmic Junction

Specific site in fallopian tube where fertilisation typically occurs.

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Fimbriae

Finger-like projections at infundibulum that sweep ovulated oocyte into oviduct.

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Oestrus Cycle

Reproductive cycle in non-primate mammals, counterpart of menstrual cycle.