Sexual Reproduction in Humans

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to sexual reproduction in humans.

Male Reproductive System

Adapted for creation of the male gamete, spermatozoa, and sexual reproduction.

Vas deferens

Carries sperm towards the penis during ejaculation.

Testes

Produce gametes (spermatozoa) and the hormone testosterone.

Scrotum

Skin sac that surrounds the testes.

Penis

Organ adapted to transfer sperm into the vagina during sexual intercourse.

Seminal vesicle

Secretes an alkaline, nutrient-rich fluid onto sperm in the vas deferens, forming semen.

Prostate gland

Secretes an alkaline fluid containing zinc ions onto sperm in the vas deferens.

Urethra

Carries semen and urine out of the body.

Epididymis

Stores spermatozoa to mature and become mobile.

Spermatogenesis

Process occurring in the seminiferous tubules of the testes to form sperm.

Oogenesis

Process of egg formation taking place in the ovaries.

Fallopian tube

Tube lined with ciliated epithelium that wafts the secondary oocyte from the ovary to the uterus.

Uterus

Specialist organ where the embryo implants and grows.

Cervix

Ring of muscle at the neck of the uterus.

Vagina

Muscular walled structure where sperm is deposited during reproduction.

Fertilisation

Process where sperm is released into the vagina and fertilizes the ovum.

Acrosome reaction

Reaction where the acrosome releases enzymes to assist sperm in penetrating the egg.

Cortical reaction

Change that alters the zona pellucida to prevent polyspermy after fertilization.

Zygote

Diploid cell formed when sperm and ovum nuclei fuse.

Embryo

Early stage of human development after fertilisation.

Blastocyst

Hollow ball of cells formed during cleavage, which implants into the endometrium.

HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)

Hormone produced by the blastocyst that maintains the corpus luteum.

Placenta

Organ linking the mother to the fetus for the exchange of nutrients and wastes.

Negative feedback

Mechanism that regulates hormone levels during the menstrual cycle.

Oxytocin

Hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary that stimulates uterine contractions during birth.

Prolactin

Hormone that stimulates milk production in mammary glands.