Introduction to the Reproductive System

A comprehensive vocabulary set covering key concepts from the reproductive system.

Reproductive System

The system responsible for producing offspring and ensuring the continuation of species.

Gonads

The primary reproductive organs; testes in males and ovaries in females.

Gametes

Reproductive cells; sperm in males and eggs in females.

Male Gonads

Testes.

Female Gonads

Ovaries.

Male Gametes

Sperm.

Female Gametes

Eggs.

Differences in Reproductive Roles

Male roles often include sperm production, while female roles include egg production and gestation.

Male Sex Hormones

Primarily testosterone, responsible for secondary male characteristics.

Female Sex Hormones

Estrogen and progesterone, responsible for secondary female characteristics and reproductive cycle regulation.

Testes Facts

Production of sperm and hormones, located in the scrotum.

Sperm Pathway

The route sperm take: testes -> epididymis -> vas deferens -> ejaculatory duct -> urethra.

Accessory Glands

Glands that contribute fluids to sperm; include seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands.

Seminal Vesicles

Produce seminal fluid that nourishes sperm and facilitates travel.

Prostate Gland

Secretes fluid that protects and energizes sperm.

Bulbourethral Glands

Produce pre-ejaculatory fluid that lubricates the urethra.

External Male Genitalia

Consists of the penis and scrotum, involved in sexual function.

Spermatogenesis

The process of sperm cell development from spermatogonia to mature sperm.

Sperm Facts

Sperm cells are haploid, motile, and highly specialized for fertilization.

Testosterone Production

Produced in the testes; essential for male growth and reproductive function.

Ovary Facts

Produce eggs and hormones, and contain follicles.

Follicles

Structures in ovaries that house and mature egg cells.

Uterine Tubes Structure

Ducts that transport eggs from the ovaries to the uterus, where fertilization typically occurs.

Path of Egg Cell

Ovary -> uterine tube -> uterus.

Uterus Structure

Hollow organ where fertilized egg implants and develops.

Vagina Facts

Muscular canal leading from the external genitals to the uterus.

Labia and Clitoris

External structures of the female reproductive system; labia protect the vagina, and the clitoris is involved in sexual arousal.

Oogenesis

Process of female gamete (egg) development.

Ovarian Cycle

The monthly cycle of ovary changes; regulated by FSH and LH hormones.

Menstrual Cycle

The cyclical physical and hormonal changes that prepare the female body for potential pregnancy.

Menstruation

The shedding of the uterine lining when pregnancy does not occur, typically occurs monthly.

Ovulation Timing

Typically occurs around day 14 of the menstrual cycle.

Mammary Glands

Glands in breasts that produce milk for feeding infants.

Acrosomal Reaction

The process by which a sperm penetrates the egg, facilitated by enzymes in the acrosome.

Corona Radiata

The layer of cells surrounding the egg that must be penetrated for fertilization.

Fertilization

The fusion of an egg and sperm to form a zygote.

Early Embryonic Development

The stages immediately following fertilization when the zygote divides and develops into an embryo.

Implantation

The process by which the developing embryo attaches to the uterine wall.

Chorionic Villi

Finger-like projections from the placenta that facilitate nutrient and gas exchange.

Placenta Functions

Supports the embryo by providing nourishment and removing waste.

Amniotic Sac

The fluid-filled sac surrounding the embryo, providing cushioning.

Embryo to Fetus Transition

Occurs around 8 weeks gestation, when the developing organism takes on human features.

Stages of Labor

Three stages: dilation, expulsion, and placental.

Cesarean Delivery

A surgical procedure to deliver a baby through the abdomen instead of the vaginal canal.

Natural Twin Birth Chances

Varies by individual but typically has an increased likelihood with genetic factors.

Identical vs. Fraternal Twins

Identical twins share the same genetic material, while fraternal twins come from separate eggs fertilized simultaneously.

Cancer Definition

The uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells; common reproductive organs affected include breasts, prostate, and ovaries.

Varicocele

A condition characterized by enlarged veins within the scrotum, potentially affecting fertility.

Yeast Infections

Infections caused by an overgrowth of yeast, common in the vaginal area.

Endometriosis

A painful condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it.

Ectopic Pregnancy

A pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus, often in a fallopian tube.

Pre-term Labor

Labor that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy.

Placenta Previa

A condition where the placenta covers the cervix, which can lead to complications during delivery.

Miscarriage

The natural loss of a pregnancy before the fetus can live independently outside the womb.

Sex Determination

The biological process by which an embryo develops male or female characteristics based on genetic factors.

Puberty

The period during which individuals develop secondary sexual characteristics and fertility.

Male Secondary Sex Characteristics

Examples include facial hair, deepening voice, and increased muscle mass.

Female Secondary Sex Characteristics

Examples include breast development, widening hips, and menstrual cycle initiation.

Menopause

The time in a woman's life when menstruation ends, typically occurring in middle age.