Biology 3201 Unit 2 section 5-7

Gonads

Organs that produce reproductive cells or gametes (sperm in males, eggs in females) and sex hormones.

Male reproductive system

Includes organs that produce and store sperm cells and organs that deposit sperm cells.

Female reproductive system

Produces a few gametes and provides a safe environment for fertilization, fetal development, and birthing.

Pathway of sperm

Sperm travels through testes, scrotum, seminiferous tubules, interstitial cells, epididymis, vas deferens, penis, seminal vesicle, prostate gland, Cowper's gland, and urethra.

Pathway of eggs

Eggs travel through ovaries, follicle, fimbrea, oviducts (fallopian tubes), uterus, endometrium, cervix, and vagina.

STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection)

Infections that can be transmitted through sexual intercourse and close physical contact.

Viral STIs

STIs caused by viruses that cannot be cured but whose symptoms can be managed.

Bacterial STIs

STIs caused by bacteria that can be cured through antibiotics.

Hypothalamus

Controls the pituitary gland through releasing hormones.

Pituitary gland

Has two lobes (anterior and posterior) that store and release tropic hormones.

Testosterone

Hormone produced in males that promotes sperm formation.

Estrogen

Hormone produced in females that stimulates uterine lining growth.

Progesterone

Hormone that prevents uterine muscle contractions in females.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)

Stimulates the development of sex organs and gametes in males and females.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

Stimulates testosterone production in males and ovulation and estrogen production in females.

Inhibin

A hormone produced in the testes that inhibits FSH production.

Menstrual cycle

Lasts about 28 days, consists of ovarian and uterine cycles.

GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone)

Produced in the hypothalamus, stimulates the release of FSH and LH.

Negative feedback

A mechanism that maintains hormone levels by inhibiting further release.

Spermatogenesis

The process by which sperm is produced in the testes.

Leydig cells

Cells in the interstitial tissue of the testes that produce testosterone.

Cervix

The lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

Uterus

The organ where the fetus develops.

Seminal vesicle

Gland that produces seminal fluid to nourish sperm.

Prostate gland

Gland that contributes to ejaculation and provides nutrients for sperm.

Oviducts (Fallopian tubes)

Conducts eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.

Endometrium

The inner lining of the uterus that thickens during the menstrual cycle.