Maternal and Child Chapter 5 Key Terms and Definitions

Scrotum

A rugated, skin-covered, muscular pouch that supports the testes and helps regulate sperm temperature.

Penis

Composed of three cylindrical masses of erectile tissue; serves as the outlet for both urinary and reproductive tracts in men.

Testes

Ovoid glands in the scrotum that produce spermatozoa (via seminiferous tubules) and testosterone (via Leydig cells).

Epididymis

A tightly coiled tube over 20 ft long where sperm mature and are stored; takes 64 days for sperm to reach maturity.

Vas Deferens

A tube carrying sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts; sperm mature but are still immobile here.

Seminal Vesicles

Secretes a viscous, alkaline fluid rich in sugar, protein, and prostaglandins to energize sperm and enhance motility.

Prostate Gland

A chestnut-sized gland below the bladder that secretes thin, alkaline fluid; surrounds the urethra.

Bulbourethral Glands

Secretes alkaline fluid to neutralize acidic urethra, aiding sperm survival; contributes 5% to semen volume.

Mons Veneris

A pad of adipose tissue over the pubic bone protecting it from trauma.

Labia Minora

Hairless folds of tissue rich in sebaceous glands; vary in size depending on life stage.

Clitoris

Small erectile tissue at the labia minora junction; sensitive and central to female sexual arousal.

Ovaries

Almond-shaped organs that produce, mature, and release ova (egg cells).

Fallopian Tubes

10 cm tubes that transport ova from ovaries to the uterus and are the site of fertilization.

Uterus

Hollow, muscular organ that receives and nourishes the ovum and fetus, and expels the fetus at term.

Endometrium

The innermost uterine layer that thickens and sheds during the menstrual cycle.

Menarche

The first menstrual period, typically occurring around 12.4 years old.

Mittelschmerz

Ovulation-related one-sided abdominal pain, occurring mid-cycle.

Ovulation

The release of a mature egg from the ovary, triggered by an LH surge.

Corpus Luteum

Hormone-secreting structure formed from the ruptured follicle after ovulation; secretes progesterone.

hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

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

Menstruation

The shedding of the uterine lining composed of blood, mucus, and endometrial tissue.

Proliferative Phase

The phase where the endometrium rebuilds itself after menstruation, influenced by estrogen.

Secretory Phase

Follows ovulation; the endometrium becomes rich and spongy under progesterone influence.

Ischemic Phase

The endometrium degenerates due to drop in progesterone and estrogen, leading to menstruation.

Sexuality

A multidimensional experience encompassing biological, emotional, and social responses related to sex.

Sexual Response Cycle

Includes excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution phases during sexual activity.