savanna raica chapter 15 - reproduction

FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) in males:

Stimulates sperm production (spermatogenesis) in the testes.

FSH in females

Stimulates growth and maturation of ovarian follicles (which contain eggs).

LH (luteinizing hormone) in males:

Stimulates the testes to produce testosterone.

LH in females

Triggers ovulation (release of an egg) and supports formation of the corpus luteum.

Puberty

The developmental period when the body becomes sexually mature and capable of reproduction.

Timing of puberty (males vs. females)

Females usually begin earlier (around ages 8–13), males later (around 9–14).

Urethral orifice:

The external opening through which urine (and in males, semen) exits the body.

Circumcision

Surgical removal of the foreskin from the penis.

Scrotum:

A pouch of skin that holds the testes outside the body.

Testes temperature and why

About 2–3°C (3–5°F) below body temperature; this cooler environment is necessary for normal sperm production.

Vasocongestion:

Engorgement of blood vessels in sexual tissues during arousal, causing swelling.

Spermatogenesis:

The process of sperm production; sperm take about 64–72 days to mature.

Actions of testosterone:

Promotes male reproductive development, sperm production, muscle mass, bone density, and secondary sex characteristics (like facial hair, deeper voice).

Epididymis:

A coiled tube on the back of each testis where sperm mature and are stored.

Vas deferens:

Tubes that transport sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.

Vasectomy:

A surgical procedure that cuts or blocks the vas deferens to prevent sperm from entering semen.

Prostate gland:

A gland that produces fluid that nourishes and protects sperm.

Prostatitis:

Inflammation of the prostate gland, often causing pain or urinary issues.

Prostate cancer:

A malignant growth in the prostate gland.

Urethral canal:

The tube that carries urine (and semen in males) out of the body

Cowper’s glands:

Small glands that secrete a lubricating fluid (pre-ejaculate) to neutralize acidity in the urethra.

Labia majora homologous to in males

The scrotum.

Clitoris homologous to in males:

The penis

Ovaries

Almond-sized organs that produce eggs (ova) and hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

Oogenesis:

The process of egg (ovum) formation in the ovaries.

Pap smear:

A screening test for cervical cancer that collects cells from the cervix.

Oxytocin:

A hormone involved in childbirth (uterine contractions), milk release, and social bonding.

Hysterectomy:

Surgical removal of the uterus.

Pre-ovulatory phase (follicular phase):

The phase before ovulation when follicles develop and estrogen rises.

When ovulation begins:

Around the middle of the menstrual cycle (about day 14 in a 28-day cycle), triggered by an LH surge.

Post-ovulatory phase (luteal phase):

The phase after ovulation when the corpus luteum forms and progesterone rises.

Menopause:

The natural end of menstrual cycles, typically occurring around ages 45–55, when ovarian function declines.