Reproductive System

Ovaries

Produce ova (eggs) and secrete estrogen and progesterone.

Fallopian Tubes

Transport ovum to uterus and are the site of fertilization.

Uterus

Houses and nourishes the fetus.

Cervix

Passage for sperm and menstrual blood that dilates during childbirth.

Estrogen

Hormone that develops female characteristics and regulates the menstrual cycle.

Progesterone

Hormone that prepares/maintains the uterine lining and supports early pregnancy.

Testes

Produce sperm and testosterone (must be cooler than body temperature).

Scrotum

Protects testes and regulates temperature.

Epididymis

Structure for sperm maturation and storage.

Vas deferens

Transports sperm during ejaculation.

Seminal vesicles

Glands producing fructose-rich fluid to provide energy for sperm.

Prostate gland

Gland adding enzymes to semen and helping propel it.

Bulbourethral glands

Glands secreting lubricating, alkaline fluid.

Testosterone

Hormone responsible for male secondary sex characteristics and sperm production.

Sertoli cells

Cells that nourish sperm during spermatogenesis.

Leydig cells

Interstitial cells that produce testosterone.

Menstrual Phase

Days 1–5, shedding of endometrium.

Follicular Phase

Days 1–13, FSH stimulates follicle growth and estrogen rebuilds lining.

Ovulation

Day 14, LH surge releases mature ovum (most fertile period).

Luteal Phase

Days 15–28, Corpus luteum releases progesterone to prepare uterus.

Fertilization

Occurs in the fallopian tube; sperm + egg = zygote.

Implantation

Embryo attaches to endometrium and placenta begins to form.

hCG

Hormone that maintains the uterine lining and pregnancy.

Prolactin

Hormone responsible for milk production.

Oxytocin

Hormone responsible for milk ejection (let-down reflex).