Puberty, Meiosis, and Male Reproductive Anatomy (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering puberty hormones, cell division, gametogenesis, and male reproductive anatomy based on the lecture notes.

GnRH

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone released by the hypothalamus; initiates puberty by triggering the anterior pituitary to secrete FSH and LH.

Hypothalamus

Brain region that regulates the pituitary and releases GnRH to start puberty.

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

Hormone from the anterior pituitary that stimulates germ cell development; in males, it promotes spermatogenesis.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

Hormone from the anterior pituitary that stimulates testosterone production in males by acting on the interstitial (Leydig) cells.

Anterior pituitary

The front lobe of the pituitary that releases FSH and LH in response to GnRH.

Posterior pituitary

The back lobe of the pituitary; does not release FSH/LH (stores/releases other hormones like ADH and oxytocin).

Puberty

The process initiated when the hypothalamus begins GnRH production, leading to gonadal maturation and secondary sexual characteristics.

Diploid

Cell with 46 chromosomes (23 pairs); typical body (somatic) cells.

Haploid

Cell with 23 chromosomes (one set); gametes produced by meiosis are haploid.

Interphase

Cell cycle phase before division when chromosomes are replicated and the cell grows.

Mitosis

Somatic cell division producing two identical diploid daughter cells.

Meiosis

Sex cell division producing four haploid gametes through two divisions (Meiosis I and II); includes genetic recombination.

Prophase I

First stage of meiosis I; homologous chromosomes pair up to form tetrads and crossing over occurs.

Crossing over

Genetic material exchange between homologous chromosomes during prophase I, increasing variation.

Tetrad

Structure formed when replicated homologous chromosomes pair up in prophase I (four chromatids).

Meiosis I

First division of meiosis that reduces chromosome number from diploid to haploid, producing two haploid cells.

Meiosis II

Second division of meiosis that separates sister chromatids, yielding four haploid gametes.

Spermatogenesis

Formation of sperm in the seminiferous tubules; begins at puberty and continues lifelong.

Spermiogenesis

Final maturation stage of spermatogenesis converting spermatids into mature spermatozoa.

Spermatozoa

Mature sperm cells; haploid male gametes.

Seminiferous tubules

Tubules in the testes where spermatogenesis occurs.

Epididymis

Coiled tube attached to the testes where sperm mature and are stored before moving to the vas deferens.

Ductus deferens (vas deferens)

Tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts; site of vasectomy.

Seminal vesicles

Glands that secrete fructose-rich, alkaline fluid and prostaglandins into semen to nourish and assist sperm movement.

Fructose

Sugar provided by the seminal vesicles to supply energy to sperm.

Prostaglandins

Lipids in semen that help sperm motility and can affect cervical mucus by widening the cervical os.

Prostate gland

Gland that adds fluid to semen; surrounds the urethra and can influence urination if inflamed.

Corpus cavernosum

Erectile tissue in the penis that fills with blood to produce an erection.

Corpus spongiosum

Erectile tissue that surrounds the urethra; helps protect the urethral opening during erection.

Urethra

Tube through which urine and semen exit the penis.

Testes

Male gonads that produce sperm in the seminiferous tubules and testosterone from Leydig cells.

Interstitial/Leydig cells

Cells in the testes that produce testosterone in response to LH.

Vasectomy

Surgical cutting or blocking of the vas deferens to prevent sperm from entering semen; reversal possible.

Ejaculate

Semen containing sperm and secretions from seminal vesicles, prostate, and other glands.

LH in men

Stimulates Leydig cells to secrete testosterone.

Circumcision

Surgical removal of the foreskin; discussed in cultural/medical contexts.