Chapter 27: The Reproductive System

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the reproductive system, including definitions of terms, processes, and related hormonal functions.

Reproductive System

System that becomes active until puberty and is responsible for gametogenesis, fertilization, and supporting developing offspring.

Gametes

Reproductive cells; sperm in males and ova (eggs) in females.

Zygote

The first cell of a new individual formed by the fusion of sperm and egg.

Gestation

The period of development of the fetus during pregnancy.

Gonads

Primary sex organs; testes in males and ovaries in females.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that produces gametes with half the chromosome number.

Testosterone

A male sex hormone vital for the development of male reproductive organs.

Estrogens

A group of hormones responsible for the development of female secondary sexual characteristics.

Progesterone

A hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy and helps maintain it.

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) Axis

The regulatory axis that controls the production of sex hormones and gametes.

GnRH

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone; stimulates the release of FSH and LH.

FSH

Follicle-stimulating hormone; helps regulate the development of eggs in females and sperm in males.

LH

Luteinizing hormone; triggers ovulation in females and testosterone production in males.

Sister Chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome, formed during DNA replication.

Homologous Chromosomes

Pairs of chromosomes containing the same genes, one inherited from each parent.

Crossing Over

The exchange of genetic material between nonsister chromatids during prophase I of meiosis.

Haploid

A cell that has half the number of chromosomes; found in gametes.

Diploid

A cell that contains two sets of chromosomes; typical of somatic cells.

Spermatogenesis

The process of sperm production occurring in the seminiferous tubules.

Spermiogenesis

The final phase of spermatogenesis where spermatids mature into spermatozoa.

Oogenesis

The process of egg production in females, involving the maturation of oocytes.

Primary Follicle

An immature ovarian follicle containing a primary oocyte.

Ovulation

The release of a mature egg (oocyte) from the ovary.

Corpus Luteum

A glandular structure that forms from the ruptured follicle after ovulation and secretes hormones.

Menstrual Cycle

A monthly cycle of changes in the female reproductive system associated with the maturation of an egg.

Endometrium

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

Atresia

The process of apoptosis (programmed cell death) of ovarian follicles.

Ectopic Pregnancy

A pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube.

Prostate Cancer

A common cancer in males; occurs in the prostate gland and can be screened with PSA levels.

STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection)

Infections that are primarily spread through sexual contact.

Chlamydia

The most common bacterial STI, often asymptomatic but can cause reproductive issues.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

A viral infection that can cause genital warts and is associated with certain cancers.

Semen

The fluid containing sperm and secretions from the male reproductive glands.