5.8 - Reproductive Systems

Primary Sex Characteristics

Penis in males, vagina in females

Ovaries

Release estrogen and progesterone

Testes

Release testosterone

Secondary Sex Characteristics

Features associated with each biological sex that develop nearing sexual maturity

Gametes

Cells produced by male and female gonads that fuse during reproduction to form a single cell

Zygote

Formed from two gametes during fertilization

Blastocyte

Result of zygote dividing into multiple cells

Embryo

Blastocyte implanted and developing in uterine lining

Fetus

Embryo that has formed organs and tissues

Gestation

The time between conception and birth

Ectopic Pregnancy

Implantation of zygote in fallopian tube or outside of female reproductive system in the abdominal cavity; not a viable pregnancy and dangerous to mother

Endometrium

Innermost lining of the uterus

Menstruation

Expelling the endometrium if implantation has not occurred

Myometrium

Muscle in uterus responsible for contractions

Perimetrium

Membrane coating the outside of the uterus

Cervical Cancer

Often caused by human papilloma virus (HPV)

Infertility

Low production or function of gametes

Ovarian Cancer

Often advanced at diagnosis; treated by removing ovaries and uterus

Ovarian Cyst

Non-malignant and treatment is usually sympomatic

Prostate Cancer

Enlargement compresses the urethra diminishing flow of urine

Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)

Antibody titers of components of the pathogen or culture of genital swabs are diagnostic

Uterine Cancer

Hysterectomy is usually indicated