The Reproductive System

Flashcards about the reproductive system.

Reproduction

Process of passing of genetic material from one generation to another to maintain continuity of a certain species; creation of offspring.

Fertilization

Union of the male sperm and female ovum to produce a zygote (fertilized egg).

Gametogenesis

Production of sperm cells (males) and oocytes (females).

Scrotum

Loose, pouch-like skin that holds the testes and controls their temperature.

Testes

Small, oval-shaped organs; site of sperm production; serves both an exocrine (sperm production) and endocrine (testosterone production) function.

Penis

Cylindrical-shaped organ that delivers sperm into the female vagina and also serves for erection and urination.

Epididymis

Site of sperm cell maturation (minimum 1-2 days).

Vas Deferens/ Deferent Duct

Transports mature sperm to the urethra.

Urethra

Carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body and ejects semen when a male person reaches orgasm.

Seminal Vesicles

Produces fructose-rich fluid for sperm motility.

Prostate Gland

Located below the urinary bladder; secretes semen to permit sperm motility and provides nourishment for sperm cells.

Bulbourethral Gland

Produces a clear, slippery fluid that empties to the urethra and helps in the neutralization of pH of the female vagina.

Semen

Alkaline, milky, sticky fluid containing mixture of sperm cells and secretions from the seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands. Provides and transports nutrients for the sperm; serves as mode of transportation of sperm to the male urethra and female vagina.

Sperm Head

Contains the genetic material and acrosome (contains enzymes that helps in the penetration of sperm into the egg).

Sperm Midpiece

Provides energy for sperm movement.

Sperm Tail

Propels the sperm along its way to the egg cell.

Vulva

Refers to the external genitalia of the female reproductive system comprises of mons pubis, labia minora, and labia majora.

Clitoris

Located at the anterior junction of labia minora; capable of enlargement upon sexual excitement in females.

Vagina

Female organ of copulation, partially covered by hymen, which is ruptured during the first sexual intercourse. Receives sperm during sexual intercourse, serves as passageway for menstrual flow, also secretes organic acids to create acidic pH environment for the inhibition of growth of pathogens.

Uterus

Womb; hollow, pear-shaped organ that serves as the site of menstruation, implantation, and development of fetus during pregnancy.

Ovaries

Small, oval-shaped glands located in the upper pelvic cavity, on both sides of the uterus; main site of oogenesis; secretes female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Fallopian Tube (or Uterine Tubes)

Serves as site of transport of ovum from the ovaries to the uterus; site of fertilization process.

Menstrual cycle

Series of changes that occur in sexually mature, nonpregnant females and that culminate in menses; mainly involves follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing Hormone (LH).