Human Reproduction Flashcards

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to human reproduction, based on the provided lecture notes.

Gametogenesis

The process of formation of gametes (sperms in males and ovum in females).

Insemination

Transfer of sperms into the female genital tract.

Fertilisation

Fusion of male and female gametes leading to formation of zygote.

Implantation

Formation and development of blastocyst and its attachment to the uterine wall.

Gestation

Embryonic Development.

Parturition

Delivery of the baby.

Male Reproductive System

Pair of testes along with accessory ducts, glands, and external genitalia. Located in the pelvis region.

Scrotum

Located outside the abdominal cavity, maintains the low temperature of the testes necessary for spermatogenesis.

Testicular Lobules

Compartments within the testis containing seminiferous tubules.

Seminiferous Tubules

Sperms are produced

Spermatogonia

Male germ cells that undergo meiotic divisions to form sperm.

Sertoli Cells

Cells that provide nutrition to the germ cells in seminiferous tubules.

Interstitial Spaces (of Testis)

Regions outside the seminiferous tubules containing blood vessels and Leydig cells.

Leydig Cells

Synthesise and secrete testicular hormones called androgens.

Male Sex Accessory Ducts

Rete testis, vasa efferentia, epididymis, and vas deferens.

Vas Deferens

Stores and transports sperms from the testis to the outside through the urethra.

Penis

Male external genitalia made of special tissue that helps in erection to facilitate insemination.

Glans Penis

Enlarged end of the penis covered by a loose fold of skin called foreskin.

Male Accessory Glands

Paired seminal vesicles, a prostate, and paired bulbourethral glands.

Seminal Plasma

Secretions of the male accessory glands, rich in fructose, calcium, and certain enzymes.

Female Reproductive System

A pair of ovaries, a pair of oviducts, uterus, cervix, vagina, and external genitalia located in the pelvic region.

Ovaries

Produce the female gamete (ovum) and steroid hormones (ovarian hormones).

Oviducts

Fallopian tubes, about 10-12 cm long, extending from the periphery of each ovary to the uterus.

Infundibulum

Funnel-shaped part of the oviduct closer to the ovary.

Fimbriae

Finger-like projections on the edges of the infundibulum that help in the collection of the ovum after ovulation.

Ampulla

Wider part of the oviduct leading from the infundibulum.

Isthmus

Last part of the oviduct with a narrow lumen, joining the uterus.

Uterus

Single, pear-shaped organ also known as the womb.

Cervix

Narrow canal through which the uterus opens into the vagina.

Cervical Canal

Cavity of the cervix along with the vagina forms the birth canal.

Perimetrium

External thin membranous layer of the uterus.

Myometrium

Middle thick layer of smooth muscle in the uterus.

Endometrium

Inner glandular layer that lines the uterine cavity.

Female External Genitalia

Mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, hymen, and clitoris.

Mons Pubis

Cushion of fatty tissue covered by skin and pubic hair.

Labia Majora

Fleshy folds of tissue extending down from the mons pubis surrounding the vaginal opening.

Labia Minora

Paired folds of tissue under the labia majora.

Hymen

A membrane that often partially covers the opening of the vagina.

Clitoris

Tiny finger-like structure at the upper junction of the labia minora above the urethral opening.

Mammary Glands

Paired structures (breasts) containing glandular tissue and variable amounts of fat; produces milk.

Alveoli (Mammary Glands)

Clusters of cells within the mammary lobes that secrete milk.

Mammary Tubules

Tubes that drain milk from the alveoli.

Mammary Ampulla

Formed by the joining of several mammary ducts; connects to the lactiferous duct.

Lactiferous Duct

Duct that opens at the nipple, from where milk is expressed during breastfeeding.

Gametogenesis

Process by which primary sex organs produce gametes.

Spermatogonia

Immature male germ cells that produce sperms.

Spermatogenesis

Process by which spermatogonia produce sperms, beginning at puberty.

Primary Spermatocytes

Diploid cells that undergo meiosis to form secondary spermatocytes.

Secondary Spermatocytes

Haploid cells formed after the first meiotic division of a primary spermatocyte.

Spermatids

Haploid cells produced by the second meiotic division of secondary spermatocytes.

Spermiogenesis

The transformation of spermatids into spermatozoa (sperms).

Spermiation

The release of sperm from the seminiferous tubules.

GnRH (Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone)

Hypothalamic hormone that stimulates the secretion of gonadotropins.

LH

Luteinising hormone, stimulates synthesis and secretion of androgens by Leydig cells.

FSH

Follicle stimulating hormone, acts on Sertoli cells.

Acrosome

Cap-like structure filled with enzymes that help in fertilization of the ovum.

Semen

The seminal plasma along with the sperms.

Oogenesis

Process of formation of a mature female gamete.

Oogonia

Gamete mother cells in the fetal ovary that give rise to primary oocytes.

Primary Follicles

Oocytes surrounded by a layer of granulosa cells.

Secondary Follicles

Primary follicles surrounded by more layers of granulosa cells and a new theca.

Tertiary Follicles

Developed from secondary follicle, characterized by a fluid-filled cavity called antrum.

Secondary Oocyte

Large haploid cell and a tiny first polar body.

Graafian Follicle

Mature follicle that ruptures to release the secondary oocyte (ovum).

Ovulation

Process by which the Graafian follicle releases the secondary oocyte (ovum) from the ovary.

Menstrual Cycle

The female cycle in primates.

Menarche

First menstruation, which begins at puberty.

Menstrual Phase

Menstrual flow occurs and lasts 3-5 days.

Follicular Phase

Primary follicles grow to become a fully mature Graafian follicle and the endometrium regenerates.

LH Surge

Rapid secretion of LH leading to its maximum level during the mid-cycle that induces rupture of Graafian follicle and thereby the release of ovum (ovulation).

Luteal Phase

Remaining parts of the Graafian follicle transform.

Corpus Luteum

Secretes large amount of progesterone.

Menopause

Menstrual cycles ceases.

Insemination

Semen is released by the penis into the vagina.

Fertilisation

Fusion of a sperm with an ovum.

Ootid

Haploid Ovum.

Cleavage

Mitotic division starts as the zygote moves through the isthmus of the oviduct.

Morula

The embryo with 8 to 16 blastomeres.

Blastocyst

The morula continues to divide.

Trophoblast

The blastomeres in the blastocyst are arranged into an outer layer.

Inner Cell Mass

An inner group of cells attached to trophoblast.

Implantation

The blastocyst becomes embedded in the endometrium of the uterus.

Placenta

Finger-like projections appear on the trophoblast called chorionic villi which are surrounded by the uterine tissue and maternal blood.

Placenta

Facilitate the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the embryo and also removal of carbon dioxide and excretory/waste materials produced by the embryo.

Umbilical Cord

Connects the placenta to the embryo.

HCG

Human chorionic gonadotropin.

HPL

Human placental lactogen.

Parturition

causes Expulsion/delivery of the foetus.

Colostrum

Milk produced during the initial few days of lactation.