Reproductive

Testis

The singular form of testes, the male reproductive organs where sperm are produced.

Epididymis

A coiled tube where sperm mature and are stored after production in the testes.

Vas Deferens

A muscular tube that transports sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.

Prostate Gland

An almond-shaped gland that contributes fluid to sperm, forming part of the ejaculatory duct.

Seminal Vesicle

Glands that produce a fluid rich in fructose to nourish sperm and mix with sperm to form semen.

Ejaculatory Duct

Formed by the union of the vas deferens and seminal vesicle, it transports sperm to the urethra.

Urethra

The tube through which urine and semen are expelled from the body.

Sertoli Cells

Support cells in the testes that nourish developing sperm and help in spermatogenesis.

Leydig Cells

Cells in the testes that produce testosterone in response to luteinizing hormone (LH).

Spermatogenesis

The process by which sperm cells are produced from spermatogonia in the seminiferous tubules of the testes.

Oocyte

The female gamete or egg cell, produced in the ovaries.

Follicle

A structure within the ovary containing an oocyte surrounded by supporting cells, called granulosa cells.

Corpus Luteum

A temporary endocrine gland formed from the ovulated follicle, producing progesterone to maintain the uterine lining.

Menstrual Cycle

The periodic cycle in females that includes the production of ova and preparation of the uterine lining for potential implantation.

LH Surge

A rapid increase in luteinizing hormone that triggers ovulation and is caused by rising estrogen levels.

Progesterone

A hormone produced by the corpus luteum that stabilizes the uterine lining during the menstrual cycle.

Inhibin

A hormone produced by Sertoli cells in males and granulosa cells in females, regulating follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels.

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

A hormone produced by the placenta that maintains the corpus luteum during pregnancy.

Dartos Muscle

A smooth muscle layer in the scrotum that helps regulate testicular temperature.

Cremaster Muscle

A muscle that raises and lowers the testes to regulate temperature and is associated with the spermatic cord.

Tunica Vaginalis

A membrane that surrounds the testes and is derived from the peritoneum.

Pampiniform Plexus

A network of veins surrounding the testicular artery, which helps cool the blood going to the testes.

Meiosis

The type of cell division that produces gametes, reducing chromosome number by half.

Spermatogonia

The diploid germ cells in males that give rise to sperm through the process of spermatogenesis.

Zona Pelucida

The thick, protective glycoprotein layer surrounding the oocyte that is critical during fertilization.

Acrosomal Reaction

The process by which sperm release enzymes to penetrate the zona pellucida of the oocyte.