med term 11

bulbourethral glands

Lubricate the urethra and neutralize its acidic environment

Vagina

Acts as the passageway for the penis during sexual intercourse and as the birth canal during the birth process

glans penis

The distal, rounded end of the penis

hormones

Chemicals secreted into the bloodstream that cause bodily reactions

mature ovum

Contains one-half of the necessary components of a new life and is produced by the ovaries every 28 days

scrotum

Composed of two internal compartments and structures designed to maintain an optimal temperature for spermatogenesis

fallopian tubes

Two of these extend approximately 4 inches from the sides of the uterus toward the ovaries

cervix

The narrowed section of the uterus that dilates during the birth process to allow delivery of the fetus

urethra

The exit passageway for both urine and semen

labia

Two layers of tissue that cover and protect the clitoris, the urethral meatus, and the vaginal opening

areola

A region of pigmented tissue at the center surface of each breast

seminal vesicles

Secretes fructose, prostaglandin, and other nutrients for sperm cells

lactation

The production of breast milk to nourish the newborn baby

testes

Located within the scrotum and contain the seminiferous tubules

uterus

Houses and protects the developing fetus; its muscular tissue can expand while the fetus grows

prostaglandin

Stimulates smooth muscle contractions in the female reproductive tract to help move sperm

ovaries

The oval-shaped structures on each side of the uterus that are the primary sex organs in females

epididymis, vas deferens, and ejaculatory duct

Spermatocytes will exit the testes through these ducts that join with the urethra

progesterone

A hormone that is responsible for changes in the uterine lining in preparation for implantation of a developing embryo

spermatocytes

Male reproductive cells

graafian follicles

Are found within the ovaries and contain the immature ova, or eggs

prostate gland

Secretes fluid that helps to create a more alkaline environment in the urethra

cremasters

A muscle group that extends from the abdomen into the scrotum

nipple

The center of the areola

estrogen

A hormone that prepares the uterus for a fertilized egg

spermatogenesis

Creation of sperm cells

clitoris

Elongated erectile tissue located beneath the anterior portion of the labia

internal urinary sphincter

Contracts to keep semen from entering the bladder and to keep urine from exiting the bladder

vulva

The external structures of the female reproductive system

foreskin

A fold of skin that covers the penis

During pregnancy, the breasts respond to four different hormones:

Estrogen increases breast size, progesterone stimulates the development of the duct system (for lactation), prolactin stimulates milk production, and oxytocin promotes the flow of milk from the glands.

Inside each breast are 15 to 20 lobes of glandular tissue, including mammary glands, which are milk-producing glands in a female.

The external structures of the female reproductive system, also called the vulva, include the clitoris, urethral meatus, labia, mons pubis, and Bartholin's glands

uterus 2

It consists of the fundus, the rounded upper portion; the corpus, the body of the uterus; and the cervix, the narrowed section that opens into the vagina.

The primary function of the female reproductive system is to bear offspring, or to produce another human being.

Internal organs and structures of the female reproductive system include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina

mature ovum 2

Approximately every 28 days, one of the ovaries produces a mature ovum, which contains one-half of the necessary components of a new life.

Motility is

the ability of the sperm to "swim" to its destination.

spermatocytes 2

Spermatocytes are the male reproductive cells, which carry half of the genetic material needed to form a new human being. These cells are sensitive to heat and must live within an environment that is slightly below normal body temperature.