HUMAN REPRODUCTION AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

Human reproduction

The biological process by which new individual organisms are produced.

Sexually reproducing

A mode of reproduction involving the combination of genetic material from two parents.

Viviparous

Producing live young that develop inside the mother's body.

Gametogenesis

The process by which gametes (sperm and eggs) are produced.

Insemination

The introduction of sperm into the female reproductive system.

Fertilisation

The union of sperm and egg to form a zygote.

Implantation

The process of the fertilized egg attaching to the uterine wall.

Gestation

The period of development of the fetus in the womb.

Parturition

The act of giving birth.

Male Reproductive System

Comprises organs involved in the production of sperm and male hormones.

Testes

The male gonads responsible for producing sperm and hormones like testosterone.

Scrotum

A pouch of skin containing the testes, regulating their temperature.

Spermatogenesis

The process of sperm cell development.

Testicular lobules

Compartments within the testis containing seminiferous tubules where sperm is produced.

Sertoli cells

Cells that provide support and nourishment to developing sperm cells.

Leydig cells

Cells in the interstitial spaces that produce testosterone.

Accessory ducts

Structures that transport sperm from the testes to the urethra.

Epididymis

A coiled duct where sperm mature and are stored.

Vas deferens

The duct that carries sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.

Ejaculatory duct

The duct that transports sperm into the urethra.

Urethra

The tube that carries urine from the bladder and sperm from the reproductive system.

Seminal vesicles

Glands that produce a significant portion of seminal fluid, rich in fructose.

Prostate gland

A gland that contributes to the production of seminal fluid.

Bulbourethral glands

Glands that produce a pre-ejaculatory fluid to lubricate the urethra.

Seminal plasma

The liquid part of semen, rich in nutrients for sperm.

Penis

The male external genitalia used for insemination.

Glans penis

The enlarged tip of the penis.

Foreskin

The fold of skin covering the glans penis.

Erection

The process of the penis becoming firm and enlarged.

GnRH

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone that stimulates the pituitary gland.

LH

Luteinizing hormone that stimulates testosterone production.

FSH

Follicle-stimulating hormone that stimulates sperm production.

Testosterone

The primary male sex hormone, responsible for male sexual characteristics.

Spermatogenesis

The process of sperm cell development.

Inhibin

A hormone that regulates FSH secretion.

Ovaries

Female gonads responsible for producing eggs and hormones.

Oviduct

The tube through which eggs travel from the ovary to the uterus.

Uterus

The organ where a fertilized egg implants and develops during pregnancy.

Cervix

The narrow lower end of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

Vagina

The canal leading from the external genitals to the uterus.

Bartholin's glands

Glands that secrete lubrication in the female reproductive system.

Mammary glands

Glands in females that produce milk.

Endometrium

The inner lining of the uterus.

Corpus luteum

The structure that develops from the ovarian follicle after ovulation.

Menstrual cycle

The monthly cycle of changes in the female reproductive system.

Ovulation

The release of an oocyte from the ovary.

Gestation period

The duration of pregnancy, typically around nine months in humans.

Ovulation Phase

The phase in the menstrual cycle when an egg is released.

Follicular phase

The phase in the menstrual cycle where follicles in the ovary mature.

Luteal phase

The phase in the menstrual cycle after ovulation.

Secondary oocytes

The haploid cells that are produced in females during oogenesis.

Progesterone

A hormone produced by the corpus luteum that prepares the uterus for pregnancy.

Estrogen

A hormone responsible for the development of female secondary sexual characteristics.

Relaxin

A hormone that facilitates childbirth by relaxing the pelvic ligaments.

Mesovarium

The peritoneal fold that connects the ovary to the abdominal wall.

Tunica albuginea

The dense connective tissue layer surrounding the ovary.

Ovarian cortex

The outer layer of the ovary that contains follicles.

Ovarian medulla

The inner layer of the ovary containing blood vessels and nerves.

Follicular fluid

The fluid that fills the follicles in the ovary.

Dominant follicle

The follicle that is selected to ovulate during the menstrual cycle.

Spermatogenesis

The formation and maturation of sperm cells in the testes.

Chromosomal sex determination

A mechanism determined by the combination of sex chromosomes from the parents.

Genetic recombination

The process where genetic material is mixed during sexual reproduction.

Sex-linked traits

Traits associated with genes located on sex chromosomes.

Puberty

The developmental stage when individuals become capable of sexual reproduction.

Secondary sexual characteristics

Physical traits that develop during puberty distinguishing males from females.

Pituitary gland

An endocrine gland that regulates hormones involved in reproduction.

Leydig cells

Cells within the testes that produce testosterone.

Spermatogonia

The male germ cells that divide to form sperm.

Germ cells

Primary cells that give rise to gametes.

Amniotic sac

The membrane that surrounds and protects the developing fetus.

Umbilical cord

The structure connecting the fetus to the placenta.

Chorion

The outer fetal membrane that contributes to the formation of the placenta.

Placenta

The organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall.

Gestation

The period of development from fertilization to birth.

Fertilization window

The time frame during which fertilization can occur after ovulation.

Sexual intercourse

The act of sexual procreation.

Contraception

Methods used to prevent pregnancy.

STDs

Sexually transmitted diseases that can affect reproductive health.

Menopause

The time in a woman's life when menstrual cycles cease.

Infertility

The inability to conceive after one year of trying.

Hormonal contraceptives

Medications that regulate hormones to prevent ovulation.

Assisted reproductive technologies

Medical procedures used to address infertility.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

A technique where eggs are fertilized outside the body.

Cervical mucus

Fluid produced in the cervix that changes consistency during the menstrual cycle.

Menstrual flow

The shedding of the endometrial lining during menstruation.

Ovulatory phase

When an egg is released from a follicle in the ovary.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Triggers ovulation and stimulates the production of hormones.

Zygote

The cell formed by the union of sperm and egg.

Embryo

The developing organism from fertilization to about eight weeks of pregnancy.

Fetus

The developing organism from the end of the embryonic stage until birth.

Artificial insemination

A method of treating infertility by inserting sperm into the female reproductive tract.

Ectopic pregnancy

A pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus.

Placenta previa

Condition where the placenta covers the cervix.

Prolactin

Hormone that stimulates milk production in nursing mothers.

Oxytocin

Hormone that stimulates uterine contractions during labor.

C-section

Cesarean section, a surgical method of delivering a baby.

Natural birth

Birth that occurs through the vaginal canal without surgical intervention.

Breastfeeding

The act of feeding an infant with milk from the mother's breast.