Chapter 28: Reproductive System Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to the reproductive system, including definitions of terms essential for understanding reproductive anatomy, physiology, and related processes.

Gonads

Primary reproductive organs that produce sex cells (gametes); ovaries in females and testes in males.

Gametogenesis

The process of forming gametes, which are sex cells (oocyte in females and sperm in males).

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four haploid cells, each genetically distinct.

Hypothalamus

Part of the brain that initiates puberty by releasing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).

Corpus luteum

Temporary endocrine structure formed from the ruptured follicle after ovulation, secreting hormones to prepare the uterus for a fertilized oocyte.

Oogenesis

The maturation of a primary oocyte into a secondary oocyte, which occurs through several stages over a female's reproductive life.

Folliculogenesis

The process of ovarian follicle development, occurring in stages from primordial follicles to mature follicles.

Ovulation

The release of a secondary oocyte from a mature follicle, typically occurring on day 14 of the menstrual cycle.

Spermatogenesis

The process of sperm production and development occurring in the seminiferous tubules of the testes.

Menopause

The time in a woman's life when menstrual cycles cease for one year, typically occurring in the 40s or 50s.

Ectopic pregnancy

A pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus, often in the uterine tube, which can lead to complications.

Haploid

A cell that contains one set of chromosomes (n), characteristic of gametes.

Diploid

A cell that contains two sets of chromosomes (2n), typical of somatic cells.

Endometrium

The inner lining of the uterus that thickens during the menstrual cycle and is shed if fertilization does not occur.

Testosterone

The primary male sex hormone produced by interstitial cells in the testes, responsible for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics.

Menarche

The first occurrence of menstruation in a female, marking the onset of reproductive capability.

Uterine cycle

The cyclical changes in the endometrial lining of the uterus, typically lasting 28 days, divided into menstrual, proliferative, and secretory phases.

Sister chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome, joined together at the centromere before being separated during meiosis.

Perineum

The diamond-shaped area between the thighs, important in both male and female reproductive anatomy.

Nondisjunction

The failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate properly during cell division, leading to gametes with abnormal chromosome numbers.