The Male and Female Reproductive Systems - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to anatomy, physiology, hormones, cycle, disorders, and contraception in the male and female reproductive systems.

gametes

Specialized sex cells (spermatozoa in males; ova in females) produced by meiosis, containing half the normal chromosome number.

meiosis

Cell division that halves the chromosome number to form haploid gametes.

spermatozoa

Male gametes; motile cells produced by the testes.

ova (egg cells)

Female gametes produced by the ovaries.

testes

Male gonads; produce sperm and testosterone; housed in the scrotum.

epididymis

Coiled tube on the surface of the testis; stores and matures sperm.

ductus deferens (vas deferens)

Tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.

ampulla

Enlarged portion of the ductus deferens near the prostate; stores sperm temporarily.

seminal vesicles

Glands producing alkaline secretions rich in sugars; nourish and aid sperm motility; contribute to semen.

ejaculatory duct

Duct formed by the union of the ductus deferens and seminal vesicle ducts; transports semen to the urethra.

urethra

Duct through which urine and semen pass; runs through the penis.

prostate gland

Gland beneath the bladder; secretes alkaline fluid that neutralizes vaginal acidity.

bulbourethral glands (Cowper glands)

Glands that secrete mucus to lubricate the urethra and tip of the penis.

semen

Fluid containing sperm and secretions from the accessory glands; nourishes, transports, neutralizes acidity, lubricates, and protects sperm.

acrosome

Cap-like structure on the head of a sperm containing enzymes to penetrate the egg.

flagellum

Tail of the sperm; propels the cell.

mitochondria

Energy-producing organelles powering sperm motility.

sustentacular cells (Sertoli cells)

Support developing sperm and produce survival factors within the seminiferous tubules.

interstitial cells (Leydig cells)

Cells located between seminiferous tubules that produce testosterone.

GnRH

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus; stimulates FSH and LH release.

FSH

Follicle-stimulating hormone; stimulates spermatogenesis and sustentacular cell function.

LH

Luteinizing hormone; stimulates testosterone production by interstitial cells.

testosterone

Major male sex hormone; supports development of male organs, spermatogenesis, and secondary sex characteristics; regulated by negative feedback.

negative feedback

Regulatory mechanism where high testosterone inhibits GnRH, FSH, and LH release.

cryptorchidism

Undescended testis; a condition that can affect fertility.

testicular torsion

Twisting of the testis, cutting off blood supply; a medical emergency.

inguinal hernia

Weakness allowing abdominal contents to protrude into the inguinal canal; may cause scrotal bulge.

phimosis

Narrowing of the foreskin that prevents retraction.

prostatitis

Inflammation of the prostate.

epididymitis

Inflammation of the epididymis.

orchitis

Inflammation of the testes.

Chlamydia

Common STI; may cause urethral discharge and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Gonorrhea

STI causing urethral discharge and burning; may involve other organs.

genital herpes

STI caused by herpes simplex virus; causes painful vesicles and ulcers.

syphilis

STI caused by Treponema pallidum; multiple stages with systemic effects.

prostate cancer

Most common cancer in men; risk factors include age, race, family history; PSA screening; treatments include surveillance, radiation, surgery, hormones.

testicular cancer

Cancer of the testes; is more common in younger men; early detection improves outcomes; self-examination advised.

uterus

Pear-shaped muscular organ where the fetus develops; three regions (body/corpus, fundus, cervix) and three layers (perimetrium, myometrium, endometrium).

corpus (body) of uterus

Main central portion of the uterus.

cervix

Neck of the uterus; inferior to the uterus; canal into the vagina.

fundus

Upper, dome-shaped portion of the uterus; deepest part.

perimetrium

External peritoneal tissue; outer layer of the uterus.

myometrium

Thick muscular middle layer of the uterus; responsible for contractions.

endometrium

Inner lining of the uterus; proliferates under estrogen and becomes secretory under progesterone; shed during menstruation.

oviducts (fallopian tubes)

Muscular tubes from the uterus to near the ovary; site of fertilization; fimbriae assist ovum pickup.

fimbriae

Finger-like projections at the end of the fallopian tubes that help capture the ovulated egg.

vagina

Muscular canal that receives the penis and serves as birth canal.

hymen

Thin membrane partially covering the vaginal opening in some females.

Bartholin glands (greater vestibular glands)

Glands that secrete mucus into the vestibule to lubricate.

labia majora

Outer lips of the vulva.

labia minora

Inner lips of the vulva.

clitoris

Small erectile organ at the anterior of the vulva; contributes to sexual arousal.

mons pubis

Fatty mound over the pubic symphysis.

ovaries

Female gonads; produce ova and hormones; contain follicles.

ovarian follicle

Structure that protects the ovum and produces ovarian hormones (estrogen and progesterone).

estrogen

Ovarian hormone promoting endometrial proliferation; involved in feedback control of GnRH/LH/FSH.

progesterone

Hormone from the corpus luteum that prepares the endometrium for implantation and supports secretory phase; negative feedback on GnRH/FSH/LH.

female reproductive cycle

Hormone-regulated cycle controlled by GnRH, LH, and FSH; typically 28 days; includes preovulatory, ovulation, and postovulatory phases.

LH surge

Abrupt rise in LH triggering ovulation and formation of the corpus luteum.

estrogen peak

Hormone level that peaks closest to ovulation.

progesterone peak

Hormone level that peaks after ovulation.

preovulatory phase (follicular phase)

Follicle growth and estrogen secretion; endometrium proliferates; negative feedback on GnRH/LH/FSH.

ovulation

Release of the oocyte from the ovary; triggered by the LH surge.

postovulatory phase (luteal phase)

Corpus luteum secretes estrogen and progesterone; endometrium becomes secretory; negative feedback on GnRH/FSH/LH.

menstruation

Shedding of the endometrium when fertilization does not occur; menses due to drop in estrogen and progesterone.

menopause

Cessation of menstruation and decline of ovarian function; decreased estrogen; symptoms may include hot flashes and insomnia; tissues atrophy.

hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Combination of estrogen with synthetic progesterone to relieve menopause symptoms; risks include breast cancer and thrombosis; duration-dependent.

Pap smear

Cervical cytology test to detect precancerous changes and cervical cancer; often part of routine screening.

endometriosis

Growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus; sites include ileum, abdominal wall, ovary, uterus ligaments, rectouterine pouch, and perineum.

fibroids (myomas)

Benign uterine tumors; severe cases may require hysterectomy.

endometrial cancer

Cancer of the endometrium.

ovarian cancer

Cancer of the ovaries.

cervical cancer

Cancer of the cervix; strongly linked to HPV infection.

HPV

Human papillomavirus; major cause of cervical cancer; detected by Pap smear.

tubal ligation

Female sterilization; surgical occlusion of the fallopian tubes.

vasectomy

Male sterilization; surgical cut/occlusion of the vas deferens.

IUD (intrauterine device)

T-shaped device placed in the uterus to prevent fertilization; long-acting contraceptive method.

birth control pills

Oral hormonal contraception (estrogen and progestin) to prevent ovulation.

male condom

Barrier method worn on the penis to prevent pregnancy and reduce STI risk.

female condom

Barrier method used inside the vagina to prevent pregnancy and STI transmission.

diaphragm

Barrier method placed over the cervix and used with spermicide.

spermicide

Chemical agent used to kill sperm; used with barrier methods.

birth control sponge

Spermicide-containing sponge inserted in the vagina to prevent fertilization.

birth control patch

Transdermal patch that releases hormones to prevent ovulation.

birth control ring

Vaginal ring releasing hormones to prevent ovulation.

fertility awareness methods

Contraceptive approach based on tracking fertility signs to avoid intercourse during fertile days.

Mifepristone (RU-486)

Drug used after conception to terminate an early pregnancy.

infertility

Inability of a couple to achieve pregnancy after at least one year of regular, unprotected sex.

oligospermia

Low sperm count.

salpingitis

Inflammation of the fallopian tubes.

pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Infection of female reproductive organs; can involve peritoneum and lead to infertility.

amenorrhea

Absence of menstrual periods.

dysmenorrhea

Painful menstruation; primary or secondary.

premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Symptoms before menstruation: fluid retention, breast tenderness, mood changes.

menorrhagia

Heavy or excessive menstrual bleeding.

Bartholin glands

Greater vestibular glands that secrete mucus for lubrication of the vestibule.

vulva

External female genitalia, including the labia, clitoris, and vestibule.

labia majora

Outer lips of the vulva.

labia minora

Inner lips of the vulva.

clitoris

Erectile organ of the female; essential for sexual arousal.