Lecture Notes on Reproductive Biology

Vocabulary flashcards based on the lecture notes.

Internal fertilization

The process by which sperm fertilize eggs inside the female's body, as in all mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Intersex

Referring to an individual with atypical genital development and sexual differentiation that generally resembles a form intermediate between typical male and typical female genitals.

Intromission

Insertion of the erect penis into the vagina during copulation.

Lordosis

A posture assumed by female mammals during mating, a female receptive posture in quadrupeds in which the hindquarters are raised and the tail is turned to one side, facilitating intromission by the male

Medial amygdala

A region of the amygdala involved in processing social and reproductive behaviors.

Medial preoptic area (mPOA)

A region of the hypothalamus critical for the regulation of sexual behavior and reproductive physiology.

Medullary reticular formation

A network of neurons in the brainstem involved in regulating arousal and motor control.

Müllerian ducts

The embryonic structures that develop into female reproductive organs in the absence of anti-Müllerian hormone.

Musth

A periodic condition in male elephants characterized by aggressive behavior and a strong odor, associated with elevated testosterone levels.

Neonatal

Referring to the period immediately following birth, typically the first four weeks of life.

Onuf’s nucleus

A cluster of motoneurons in the spinal cord that innervate the external anal and urethral sphincters.

Organizational effect

A permanent alteration in the nervous system caused by exposure to hormones during critical periods of development.

Orgasm

The peak of sexual pleasure, typically associated with rhythmic muscular contractions and a sense of euphoria.

Ovulation

The release of an egg from the ovary, typically occurring midway through the menstrual cycle.

Ovulatory cycle

The recurring cycle of physiological changes in the female reproductive system that includes ovulation and preparation of the uterus for potential pregnancy.

Ovum

The female gamete or egg cell involved in reproduction.

Pair-bond

A strong and enduring social and sexual relationship between two individuals, often associated with monogamous species.

Parabiotic

Referring to two organisms surgically joined so that they share a common circulatory system, allowing for the study of physiological interactions.

Paragigantocellular nucleus (PGN)

A group of neurons in the brainstem involved in the regulation of sexual behavior and arousal.

Parental behavior

The actions and behaviors exhibited by parents to care for and protect their offspring.

Parthenogenesis

A form of asexual reproduction in which offspring are produced without fertilization by a male.

Periaqueductal gray

A region of the midbrain involved in the modulation of pain and the regulation of defensive and reproductive behaviors.

Phallus

The male genital organ, especially in its erect state.

Pheromone

A chemical substance produced and released into the environment by an animal, affecting the behavior or physiology of others of its species.

Postcopulatory behavior

The behaviors exhibited by an animal following copulation, including grooming, rest, or departure.

Precocial

Referring to animals that are born in a relatively mature state and are capable of independent activity shortly after birth.

Proceptive

Referring to behaviors exhibited by females that initiate or encourage mating.

Refractory period

The period following orgasm during which an individual is temporarily unable to achieve another orgasm.

Reticulospinal tract

A bundle of nerve fibers descending from the reticular formation in the brainstem to the spinal cord, involved in motor control.

Semen

The fluid containing sperm and other substances that is ejaculated during male orgasm.

Sensitive period

A specific time during development when an organism is particularly responsive to certain environmental stimuli.

Sex determination

The process by which the sex of an organism is established, typically through genetic or environmental factors.

Sexual attraction

The behaviors and physiological responses that draw individuals together for mating purposes.

Sexual differentiation

The process by which individuals develop male or female bodies and behaviors, influenced by genetic and hormonal factors.

Sexual dimorphism

The condition where males and females of the same species exhibit different characteristics beyond the differences in their sexual organs.

Sexually dimorphic nucleus of the preoptic area (SDN-POA)

A region in the hypothalamus that differs in size between males and females and is involved in the regulation of sexual behavior.