Male and Female Reproductive Systems Vocabulary

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the anatomical structures, secretions, and hormonal functions of both the male and female reproductive systems as described in the lecture notes.

Testes

Oval-shaped gonads located in the scrotum that produce sperm and testosterone; they require a temperature $2-3\,^\circ\text{C}$ below body temperature for spermatogenesis.

Tunica Albuginea

A fibrous covering surrounding each testis that forms septa, dividing the organ into $250-300$ lobules.

Seminiferous Tubules

The specific site within the testicular lobules where sperm production occurs.

Sertoli Cells

Supporting cells in the seminiferous tubules that nourish developing sperm, form the blood–testis barrier, and remove excess cytoplasm during maturation.

Interstitial (Leydig) Cells

Cells located between seminiferous tubules that produce testosterone under the influence of luteinizing hormone ($LH$).

Epididymis

A highly coiled, comma-shaped duct where sperm mature, acquire progressive motility, and are stored for approximately $2-3$ weeks.

Vas Deferens (Ductus Deferens)

A thick-walled muscular tube that carries mature sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct via powerful peristaltic contractions.

Seminal Vesicles

Paired glands that produce ~$60\,\%$ of semen volume, secreting an alkaline fluid rich in fructose, prostaglandins, and coagulating proteins.

Prostate Gland

A gland located below the urinary bladder that contributes $25-30\,\%$ of semen volume, containing citric acid and prostate-specific antigen ($PSA$) to liquefy semen.

Bulbourethral (Cowper's) Glands

Small paired glands that release a clear lubricating mucus before ejaculation to neutralize residual acidic urine in the urethra.

Corpus Spongiosum

The ventral erectile body of the penis that surrounds the spongy urethra and expands distally to form the glans penis.

Dartos Muscle

Smooth muscle within the scrotum that wrinkles the skin to reduce heat loss and regulate testicular temperature.

Cremaster Muscle

Skeletal muscle that elevates or lowers the testes in response to temperature changes to maintain optimal conditions for sperm production.

Ovaries

Paired female gonads that produce oocytes and secrete the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Suspensory Ligament of the Ovary

A ligament that attaches the ovary to the lateral pelvic wall and contains the ovarian vessels, lymphatics, and nerves.

Corpus Luteum

The structure formed from a ruptured follicle after ovulation that secretes progesterone and estrogen to prepare the uterus for implantation.

Ampulla

The longest and widest part of the uterine tube, serving as the most common site of fertilization.

Myometrium

The thick smooth muscle layer of the uterine wall responsible for menstrual, labor, and postpartum contractions.

Stratum Functionalis

The superficial layer of the endometrium that undergoes cyclic changes and is shed during menstruation.

Broad Ligament

A double layer of peritoneum that provides support to the uterus, uterine tubes, and ovaries.

Anteverted Uterus

The position where the uterus tilts forward over the bladder and in front of the rectum.

Labia Majora

Two large skin folds that protect the external female genitalia; they are homologous to the male scrotum.

Clitoris

The female erectile organ, homologous to the male penis, containing abundant sensory nerve endings.

Greater Vestibular (Bartholin's) Glands

Glands that secrete mucus to lubricate the vaginal opening during sexual arousal; homologous to the male bulbourethral glands.

Oxytocin

A hormone that causes the contraction of myoepithelial cells in the mammary glands, resulting in the milk ejection (let-down) reflex.