Sex Ed and Reproductive Health Flashcards

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering male and female reproductive systems, puberty, the menstrual cycle, fertilization, STIs, consent, and genetics basics.

Reproduction

The process of creating new life.

Puberty

The time when your body changes from a child's body to an adult's body.

Hormone

A chemical messenger that helps control body functions.

Menstrual Cycle

The monthly process that prepares a female body for pregnancy, typically lasting about $28$ days.

Ovulation

Occurs when an egg is released from the ovary, typically around Day $14$ of the menstrual cycle.

Fertilization

When a sperm and egg meet and combine, usually occurring in the fallopian tube.

Implantation

When a fertilized egg attaches to the uterus lining, occurring about $6$-$10$ days after fertilization.

STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection)

An infection spread through sexual contact; examples include chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV, herpes, HIV, and Syphilis.

Consent

Giving clear, honest, and voluntary permission for something to happen every time.

Gametes

Sex cells (sperm in males and eggs in females).

Testes

Male reproductive organs that produce sperm and testosterone.

Vas deferens

The tube through which sperm travel from the testes.

Seminal vesicles and prostate gland

Glands that add fluid to sperm to create semen.

Urethra

The tube that carries semen or urine out of the body.

Ovaries

Female reproductive organs that release eggs and produce hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

Fallopian tubes

The tubes where eggs travel and where fertilization usually occurs.

Uterus

The organ where a baby grows if an egg is fertilized.

Cervix

The opening to the uterus.

Vagina

The birth canal.

Testosterone

The primary male hormone responsible for changes during puberty like voice deepening and facial hair growth.

Estrogen and Progesterone

The primary female hormones responsible for changes during puberty like breast development and menstruation.

Menstruation (Phase 1)

The phase occurring during Days $1$-$5$ when the uterus lining sheds if no fertilization has occurred.

Follicular Phase (Phase 2)

The phase occurring during Days $1$-$13$ where a follicle grows in the ovary to prepare an egg.

Luteal Phase (Phase 4)

The phase occurring during Days $15$-$28$ where the uterus lining thickens or breaks down if the egg is not fertilized.

Zygote

The cell formed when a sperm joins with an egg that then starts dividing.

Pregnancy

The period where a baby grows in the uterus for approximately $9$ months or $40$ weeks.

Genes

Information located in DNA that is passed from parents to offspring.

Dominant Trait

A genetic trait that shows up in the offspring, represented by a capital letter (e.g., $B$ for brown eyes).

Recessive Trait

A genetic trait that is hidden unless both alleles are recessive, represented by a lowercase letter (e.g., $b$ for blue eyes).

Healthy Relationship Qualities

Characteristics including respect, trust, honesty, and good communication.