Reproductive System - Male and Female

A collection of vocabulary terms related to the male and female reproductive systems, their functions, and associated hormonal processes.

Testicles

Gonads that produce sperm cells and testosterone.

Scrotum

A sac of loose skin that holds the testes and helps regulate their temperature.

Seminiferous Tubules

Tubules in the testes where sperm cells are produced.

Epididymis

Structure for sperm maturation and storage, connecting the testis to the vas deferens.

Vas deferens

Duct that transports sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.

Seminal Vesicles

Glands that produce fluid for sperm nourishment and account for about 60% of semen volume.

Prostate Gland

Secretes prostatic fluid which is slightly acidic and contributes to semen.

Corpus Spongiosum

Erectile tissue that holds the spongy urethra in the penis.

Ovaries

Gonads in females that produce oocytes and hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

Uterus

Organ that connects the vagina to the uterine tubes and is involved in pregnancy.

Menstrual Cycle

The monthly cycle of hormonal changes and uterine lining alteration that prepares the body for potential pregnancy.

Oogenesis

Process of egg cell (oocyte) formation in females.

Spermatogenesis

Process of sperm cell development in males.

Capacitation

The process that sperm cells undergo to gain the ability to fertilize an egg.

Acrosome

Cap on the head of a sperm cell that contains enzymes needed for fertilization.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

Hormone that triggers ovulation and sperm production.

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

Hormone that stimulates follicular development in ovaries and spermatogenesis in testes.

Menstruation

The shedding of the uterine lining when a fertilized egg does not implant.

Erection

Physiological response where the penis becomes engorged with blood.

Ejaculation

The release of semen from the male reproductive tract.