Male and Female Reproductive Systems Vocabulary

Flashcards covering the male and female reproductive systems anatomy, physiology, and pathology based on lecture notes.

Primary sex organs (Male)

The organs responsible for producing and housing sex cells, specifically the testes.

Secondary sex organs (Male)

The organs that provide the route by which sex cells unite, including the seminal vesicle, ejaculatory duct, and prostate gland.

Verumontanum

The junction where the ejaculatory ducts meet the urethra.

Epididymis

The structure that stores and transports sperm cells from the testes; its head diameter is $10-12\,mm$.

Seminal vesicle

Gland that produces fluid forming $65\%$ of semen.

Bulbourethral gland

Adds fluid to semen during ejaculation, contributing $5\%$ of the total semen volume.

Cremaster muscle

Surrounds the spermatic cord and testes; it contracts in cold weather to draw the testes closer to the body for warmth.

Pampiniform plexus

A venous network extending from the testicle that merges with the internal iliac vein to form the testicular vein.

Varicocele

The dilation of the veins of the pampiniform plexus and the number one cause of male infertility.

Corpus cavernosa

Two large cylinders of erectile tissue located in the shaft of the penis.

Tunica Vaginalis

The lining of the scrotal wall composed of parietal and serous layers; fluid collection between these layers is called a hydrocele.

Seminferous tubules

The specific tubes in the testes where sperm is produced.

Leydig cells

Also called interstitial cells, these clusters produce testosterone in between the seminiferous tubules.

Prostatomegaly

A condition where the prostate gland volume exceeds $25\,cm^3$.

Peripheral zone

The largest zone of the prostate ($70\%$) located in the apical region; it is the most common site for prostate cancer.

Transitional zone

The smallest prostate zone where hyperplasia and hypertrophy (enlarged prostate) typically start.

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)

The main lab value for evaluating the prostate, which elevates with cancer, prostatitis, BPH, or surgical manipulation.

Innominate bones

The two coxal bones of the bony pelvis, each consisting of the ilium, ischium, and pubis.

Linea Terminalis

The imaginary line that separates the true pelvis from the false pelvis.

Multiparity uterus

The uterus of a woman who has given birth more than once; its size increases by $1-2\,cm$ up to a length of $10\,cm$.

Myometrium

The middle layer of the uterine walls.

Broad ligament

A part of the peritoneum that divides the true pelvis into anterior and posterior; it includes the mesosalpinx and mesometrium.

Ampulla

The widest part of the fallopian tube where fertilization typically occurs.

Secretory phase

The endometrial phase occurring day $14-28$ where endometrial thickness can reach up to $16\,mm$.

Graafian follicle

A mature follicle that ruptures during ovulation when it reaches a size of $1.8$ to $2.5\,cm$.

Internal iliac artery

The primary vascular landmark used for locating the ovary during an ultrasound.