Reproductive Systems and Development Review

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key structures and functions related to the reproductive systems and development stages.

Testis

Produces sperm and hormones, including testosterone.

Seminiferous tubules

Site of sperm production (spermatogenesis) within the testes.

Vas deferens (ductus deferens)

Carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra during ejaculation.

Prostate gland

Produces prostatic fluid, a major component of semen.

Seminal vesicle

Produces seminal fluid, another key component of semen.

Glans penis

The head of the penis.

Bladder

Stores urine and contracts to eliminate it from the body.

Ejaculatory duct

Carries sperm from the vas deferens to the urethra.

Corpus cavernosum

Erectile tissue that fills with blood to create an erection.

Corpus spongiosum

Erectile tissue that surrounds the penile urethra.

Membranous urethra

Part of the urethra that passes through the membrane below the prostate gland.

Penile (spongy) urethra

Carries urine and semen out of the body; located in the penis.

Sperm cell

Male gamete with 23 chromosomes; produced in the testes.

Flagellum

Whip-like structure used for motility (movement) of sperm.

Epididymis

Site of sperm maturation.

Scrotum

Skin surrounding the testes; regulates temperature for sperm production.

Bulbourethral gland

Secretes a pre-ejaculate fluid that lubricates the glans and neutralizes acidity in the urethra.

Rectum

Contracts to facilitate defecation.

Anal canal

Releases feces from the body.

Ovary

Produces eggs (oocytes) and hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

Uterine tube (Fallopian tube)

Site of fertilization.

Fimbriae

Ciliated structures that help direct the oocyte into the uterine tube.

Uterus

Houses and nourishes the developing embryo/fetus.

Labia minora

Protective inner folds surrounding the vaginal and urethral openings.

Labia majora

Protective outer folds surrounding the vaginal and urethral openings.

Clitoris

Contains erectile tissue and nerve endings for sexual pleasure.

Urethra

Controls the release of urine from the bladder.

Cervix

The narrow end of the uterus that dilates during labor.

Vagina (birth canal)

Receives sperm and serves as the birth canal.

Secondary oocyte

An unfertilized egg that has been released during ovulation.

Fertilization

The process in which a sperm cell combines with an oocyte, resulting in a zygote.

Ovulation

The release of a secondary oocyte from the ovary.

Morula

A solid ball of cells formed from division of the zygote; travels to the uterus.

Blastocyst

Stage of development following morula; will develop into an embryo if implantation occurs.

Embryo

Early stage of human development prior to fetal stage.

Implantation

The process where the blastocyst embeds itself into the endometrium.