REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Reproductive system

Ensures continuation of species.

Gonads

Produce gametes and hormones.

Ducts

Transport gametes.

Accessory glands

Add secretions to reproductive ducts.

External genitalia

Perineal reproductive structures.

Testes

Produce sperm and testosterone.

Ovaries

Produce oocytes, estrogen, progesterone.

Uterine tubes

Carry oocytes to uterus; site of fertilization.

Uterus

Houses developing embryo/fetus.

Vagina

Birth canal and receives sperm.

Spermatic cords

Contain vas deferens, vessels, nerves.

Inguinal hernia

Protrusion of viscera into inguinal canal.

Seminiferous tubules

Site of sperm production.

Epididymis

Matures and stores sperm.

Ductus deferens

Carries sperm toward urethra.

Urethra (male)

Shared urinary and reproductive passageway.

Seminal glands

Produce most semen volume.

Prostate

Acidic secretion; encircles urethra.

Bulbourethral glands

Mucus secretion.

Penis anatomy

Corpora cavernosa ×2, corpus spongiosum ×1.

Mitosis

Produces identical diploid cells.

Meiosis

Produces 4 haploid gametes.

Spermatogenesis

Sperm production from puberty onward.

Spermatogonia

Stem cells dividing by mitosis.

Primary spermatocytes

Enter meiosis I.

Secondary spermatocytes

Result of meiosis I.

Spermatids

Haploid cells after meiosis II.

Spermiogenesis

Spermatids → sperm maturation.

Spermiation

Release of sperm into lumen.

Nurse (Sertoli) cells

Support cells establishing blood-testis barrier and regulate spermatogenesis.

Capacitation

Sperm become motile and capable of fertilization.

Acrosome

Enzymes for fertilizing oocyte.

Sperm tail

Flagellum for movement.

Testosterone

Male steroid hormone supporting spermatogenesis, libido, muscle/bone growth, masculine traits.

Female reproductive system

Produces oocytes, sex hormones, supports embryo.

Ovaries

Produce oocytes, estrogen, progesterone, inhibin.

Uterine tube infundibulum

Funnel with fimbriae.

Ampulla

Fertilization site.

Uterus layers

Perimetrium, myometrium, endometrium.

Endometrium

Layer that changes during menstrual cycle.

Vagina rugae

Folds allowing expansion.

Clitoris

Erectile structure homologous to penis.

Mammary glands

Produce milk.

Oogenesis

Begins before birth; continues monthly at puberty.

Primary oocytes

Form before birth; arrested until puberty.

Secondary oocyte

Ovulated; completes meiosis II only if fertilized.

Polar bodies

Nonfunctional cells from unequal division.

Follicular phase

Days 1–14; follicle growth; estrogen rises.

Ovulation

Day 14; LH surge releases secondary oocyte.

Luteal phase

Days 14–28; corpus luteum produces progesterone.

Corpus albicans

Scar tissue after corpus luteum degenerates.

Menstrual cycle phases

Menstrual, proliferative, secretory.

Menstrual phase

Shedding of endometrium.

Proliferative phase

Estrogen-driven endometrial regrowth.

Secretory phase

Progesterone prepares uterus for implantation.

FSH

Stimulates follicle development.

LH

Triggers ovulation and progesterone.

Estrogen functions

Secondary sex traits, endometrial growth, bone/muscle support.