Biology 306: Pathophysiology - Male Reproductive Function

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to male reproductive function and pathophysiology.

Spermatogenesis

The process by which sperm cells are produced from male primordial germ cells.

Oogenesis

The process by which egg cells (oocytes) are produced from female primordial germ cells.

Hormonal events

Regulatory changes in hormone secretion that act during the male and female reproductive cycles.

Fertilization

The union of a sperm cell with an oocyte leading to the formation of a zygote.

Priapism

A medical condition characterized by a prolonged and often painful erection not associated with sexual desire or stimulation.

Testicular torsion

A surgical emergency that occurs when the spermatic cord becomes twisted, cutting off the testicle's blood supply.

Cryptorchidism

A condition in which one or both of the testicles fail to descend into the scrotum.

Prostatitis

Inflammation of the prostate gland, which may be acute or chronic.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

A non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can obstruct urinary flow.

Erectile dysfunction

The inability to maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance.

Prostate cancer

A malignant growth within the prostate gland that can affect urinary function and health.

Hypospadias

A congenital condition in males where the urethra opens on the underside of the penis.

Epididymitis

An inflammation of the epididymis, often resulting from infection or sexually transmitted diseases.

Hydrocele

A fluid-filled sac around a testicle that can cause swelling in the scrotum.

Varicocele

Enlargement of the veins within the scrotum that can lead to infertility in males.

Testosterone

The primary male sex hormone responsible for the development of male reproductive tissues and secondary sexual characteristics.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the number of chromosomes by half, creating four haploid cells (gametes).

Zygote

A diploid cell resulting from the fusion of two haploid gametes (sperm and oocyte) during fertilization.

Scrotum

A pouch of skin and fascia containing the testes, epididymides, and lower parts of the spermatic cords.

Ovulation

The release of a mature oocyte from the ovarian follicle into the fallopian tube.

Gamete

A mature haploid male or female germ cell which is able to unite with another of the opposite sex in sexual reproduction.

Gonads

The primary reproductive organs that produce gametes and sex hormones (testes in males, ovaries in females).

Semen

The fluid containing sperm and other secretions from the male reproductive organs.

Uterus

A hollow, pear-shaped organ in the female pelvis where a fetus develops during pregnancy.

Vas deferens

A duct that transports sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts in males.

Ovaries

The primary female reproductive organs that produce oocytes and female hormones.

Fallopian tubes (Uterine tubes)

Ducts that transport oocytes from the ovaries to the uterus and are the typical site of fertilization.

Urethra (male)

The tube that carries urine from the bladder and semen from the vas deferens out of the body through the penis.

Cervix

The lower, narrow part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

Menstrual cycle

The monthly physiological changes in females for reproduction, involving the growth of the uterine lining and ovulation.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles in females and sperm production in males.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

A hormone that triggers ovulation in females and stimulates testosterone production in males.

Sertoli cells

Cells in the seminiferous tubules that support and nourish developing sperm.

Leydig cells (Interstitial cells)

Cells located between seminiferous tubules that produce testosterone.

Androgens

A group of steroid hormones, including testosterone, that promote the development and maintenance of male secondary sexual characteristics.

Spermatogonia

Male primordial germ cells that undergo mitosis and meiosis to produce sperm.

Oogonia

Female primordial germ cells that differentiate into primary oocytes.

Acrosome reaction

A process in which the acrosome of the sperm releases enzymes to penetrate the egg's outer layers during fertilization.

Implantation

The attachment of the blastocyst to the uterine wall, typically occurring about 6-12 days after fertilization.

Puberty

The period during which adolescents reach sexual maturity and become capable of reproduction.

Endometriosis

A condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

A hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age, often characterized by infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods, excess androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries.

Seminal vesicles

Glands that secrete a fluid containing fructose and other substances that nourish and protect sperm.

Bulbourethral glands (Cowper's glands)

Small glands that secrete pre-ejaculate fluid to lubricate the urethra and neutralize acidity.

Corpus luteum

A temporary endocrine structure formed in the ovary after ovulation, which produces progesterone.