What are the testes?
Organs that produce sperm cells.
What is the epididymis?
The site of sperm development and maturing.
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Flashcards based on lecture notes about the human reproductive system, ovarian and menstrual cycles, birth control, menopause, fetal development, genetic disorders, and the immune system.
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What are the testes?
Organs that produce sperm cells.
What is the epididymis?
The site of sperm development and maturing.
What are the vasa deferentia?
Tubes lined with muscle that carry sperm out during ejaculation.
What is the seminal vesicle?
Adds fructose to semen, providing energy for sperm cells, and induces contractions of the uterus.
What is the prostate gland?
Produces an alkaline fluid to add to semen, protecting sperm cells from the acidic environment of the female reproductive tract.
What is the bulbourethral gland?
Secretes mucus to lubricate the urethra before ejaculation.
What is the urethra?
A duct that carries semen or urine out of the body.
What is the penis?
External male reproductive organ that deposits semen into the female vagina.
What is the scrotum?
Skin and muscle that holds the testes external to the body for temperature control.
What is the bladder?
Stores urine.
What is the ejaculatory duct?
Where the vas deferens meets the seminal vesicle; sperm combines with alkaline fluid and fluids from the seminal vesicle.
What is a vasectomy?
Cutting and tying off the vas deferens to stop sperm from mixing with ejaculatory fluid.
What are the ovaries?
Organs that produce and store eggs.
What is a follicle?
A layer of small cells that surround, nourish, and protect a single egg.
What is the corpus luteum?
Structure that remains when the egg leaves during ovulation.
What is the fallopian tube (oviduct)?
Structure that the egg is released into during ovulation; the site of fertilization.
What is the endometrium?
Blood-rich tissue that lines the inside of the uterus.
What is the cervix?
Site that must dilate (widen) during pregnancy.
What is the uterus?
The site of pregnancy.
What is the vagina?
Site of sperm deposit; also known as the birth canal.
What is tubal ligation?
Cutting and tying off the fallopian tubes.
What is bacterial vaginosis?
A condition caused by an imbalance in the microbiome of the vagina.
What factors can influence the vagina’s microbiome?
Factors like diet, hygiene, hormone levels, and previous childbirth experiences.
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
When an egg implants outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube.
What are the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy?
Abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, missed periods.
What complications can arise from an ectopic pregnancy?
Death.
What are the risk factors for an ectopic pregnancy?
Previous ectopic pregnancy, older age, smoking, history of health infections, history of surgery on the fallopian tube.
How is an ectopic pregnancy treated?
Surgery or medication.
What is prostate cancer?
Cancer in the prostate gland.
What are the severe symptoms of prostate cancer?
Trouble urinating, blood in urine or semen, unexpected weight loss, unexplained fevers.
What are the causes/risk factors for prostate cancer?
Age, race (Black men higher risk), higher weight, family history, history of breast cancer.
People are born with all their eggs: (Truth or Myth)?
[MYTH] Evidence suggests stem cells can create new eggs.
Menstrual cycle is 28 days: (Truth or Myth)?
[MYTH] That's just an average; it's variable.
Can't get pregnant on your period (Truth or Myth)?
[MYTH] Because everything is variable, this is possible.
Fastest sperm is the one that fertilizes the egg (Truth or Myth)?
[MYTH] Sperm has to pass thru a lot of screening and tests from female reproductive system & survive.
Fertilization isn't like breaking through a wall (Truth or Myth)?
[MYTH] Sperm are selected based on DNA.
What is the main purpose of the ovarian cycle?
To prepare an egg for potential fertilization and release it into the fallopian tube.
What is the main purpose of the menstrual/uterine cycle?
To shed the lining of the uterus (endometrium) when not pregnant.
What two hormones are in combination birth control pills?
Estrogen and progestin.
What are the hormone levels in a female on combination birth control pills?
Estrogen and progestin levels are maintained at consistent levels to prevent ovulation.
This suppresses the natural hormonal fluctuations in the menstrual cycle.
Weeks 1–3 (active pills): Stable, moderate levels of estrogen and progestin.
Week 4 (placebo pills): Hormone levels drop → triggers withdrawal bleeding (similar to period).
How are hormone levels impacted by perimenopause?
Estrogen and progesterone levels start to fluctuate, becoming less consistent.
How are hormone levels impacted by menopause?
Decline in estrogen and progesterone levels produced by the ovaries.
How are hormone levels impacted by postmenopause?
Estrogen and progesterone levels decline/are low.
What does osteoporosis do to the body?
causes bones to become weak and brittle.
What is endometriosis?
A disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.
What are uterine fibroids?
Non-cancerous tumors that grow in or on the uterus.
What is menorrhagia?
Excessive or prolonged menstrual flow.
What is amenorrhea?
Absence of menstruation.
What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
A hormonal disorder that affects women, often causing irregular menstrual cycles and increased androgens (male hormones).
Where does fertilization occur?
Fallopian tubes (oviducts)
Where does implantation & hCG secretion occur?
Occurs in the uterus where the blastocyst attaches and embeds in the uterine lining (endometrium), initiating pregnancy