Module 1M: The Pubescent Period - Human Reproductive System

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering male and female reproductive anatomy, hormonal regulation, spermatogenesis, oogenesis, and pubertal development based on the provided lecture notes.

Gametogenesis

The production of gametes, specifically the egg cell and the sperm cell.

Oogenesis

The development of gametes in females.

Spermatogenesis

The development of male gametes which begins at puberty and continues throughout life.

Penis

The male copulatory organ designed to deliver sperm to the female reproductive system; it conveys both urine and seminal fluid.

Prepuce

The foreskin that covers the glans penis.

Scrotum

A divided sack of skin hanging outside the abdominal cavity that contains, encloses, and protects the testes while maintaining a temperature of approximately $3\,^{\circ}\text{C}$ below body temperature.

Dartos Muscle

The muscle responsible for contracting the skin of the scrotum.

Cremaster Muscle

The muscle that pulls the testes nearer to the body in cold conditions.

Tunica Albuginea

The fibrous connective white tissue that covers the testes.

Seminiferous Tubules

Tightly coiled structures within the testicular lobules considered the sperm-forming factories.

Sertoli Cells

Also known as sustentacular cells, these cells are responsible for the nourishment of germ cells.

Leydig Cells

Interstitial cells lying in the soft connective tissue surrounding the seminiferous tubules that secrete androgens, specifically testosterone.

Epididymis

A highly coiled tube measuring approximately $6\,m$ ($20\,ft$) that serves as the site of sperm maturation and temporary storage.

Ductus Deferens

Also known as the Vas Deferens, it is enclosed by a spermatic cord and functions to propel live sperm to the ampulla.

Seminal Vesicles

Accessory glands that secrete a thick, viscous, alkaline fluid containing nutrients like fructose and citric acid, as well as prostaglandins.

Prostate Gland

A gland that secretes a thin, milky alkaline solution to enhance the motility of spermatozoa; it produces approximately $60\,\%$ of the seminal fluid.

Semen

The transport medium for nutrients and chemicals with a $pH$ of $7.2-7.6$ and a normal sperm cell count of $50-150\,\text{million}$ per milliliter.

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)

A hormone produced by the hypothalamus that stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to secrete LH and FSH.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Produced by the anterior pituitary; in males, it is also called Interstitial Cell Stimulating Hormone (ICSH) and stimulates testosterone synthesis.

Inhibin

A regulatory hormone produced by the testes that inhibits the release of FSH to regulate sperm production.

Spermiogenesis

The last process of maturation where excess cytoplasm is shed and the sperm is compacted into a head, midpiece, and tail.

Capacitation

The process by which spermatozoa acquire the ability to fertilize an oocyte as they reach the uterus.

Vulva

The collective term for the external female genitalia.

Vestibular Glands

Glands that secrete fluid to moisten and lubricate the vaginal vestibule during sexual arousal.

Graafian Follicle

A fluid-filled follicle containing a mature ovum before it is ejected during ovulation.

Corpus Luteum

The structure formed from a ruptured follicle that secretes progesterone to maintain the uterine lining.

Fallopian Tubes

Ducts that receive oocytes and convey the developing embryo toward the uterus; the ampulla is the most common site of fertilization.

Fimbriae

Finger-like projections at the end of the fallopian tube that create fluid currents to catch the released ova.

Endometrium

The innermost, highly vascular layer of the uterus where implantation occurs.

Myometrium

The muscular middle layer of the uterus that plays a critical role during labor.

Hymen

A thin, highly vascular fold partially closing the distal end of the vaginal opening.

Prolactin

The hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland responsible for milk production.

Oxytocin

A hormone from the posterior pituitary that stimulates uterine contractions and the let-down reflex for milk release.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

A hormone produced by the placenta that maintains the corpus luteum and increases progesterone secretion during the first trimester.

Thelarche

The onset of female breast development.

Menarche

The term describing the onset of menstruation, usually occurring around $12.4\,\text{years}$ of age.

Adrenarche

The onset of androgen-dependent body changes such as growth spurts and the appearance of body hair.

Spermarche

The onset of sperm production in males, which may lead to nocturnal emissions.

Gynecomastia

A temporary enlargement of the breast in males caused by hormonal imbalances during puberty.

Dysmenorrhea

Painful menstruation.

Amenorrhea

The absence of menstruation.

Hypermenorrhea

Also known as menorrhagia, it is uterine bleeding in excess of the normal period.

Metrorrhagia

Bleeding in between menstrual cycles or irregular flow at times other than the menstrual period.

Mittelschmerz

Sharp, sudden abdominal pain associated with ovulation due to the stretching of the ovary.

Spinnbarkeit

The elasticity of ovulating cervical mucus, appearing watery and stretchy.

Decidua

The term for the thick layer of modified mucous membrane that lines the uterus during pregnancy.

Placenta

An organ formed by chorionic villi that provides oxygen and nutrients to the fetus and removes waste products.

Tanner Stages

A scale used to measure the stages of pubertal development across five levels of physical maturity.

Corpus Albicans

The degenerated, white fibrous tissue that the corpus luteum becomes if fertilization does not occur.

Acinar Cells

Exocrine cells within the mammary glands that produce milk.