Reproductive System and Cell Division

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to the reproductive system, cell division, and early development.

Diploid Cells

Cells with two sets of chromosomes (23 pairs, 46 total in humans).

Haploid Cells

Cells with one set of chromosomes (23 total in humans).

Gametes

Sperm and ovum, which are haploid cells produced from diploid cells.

Meiosis

Cell division process in the gonads (ovaries and testes) that produces genetically different haploid cells.

Somatic Cells

All cells in the body except for gametes; diploid cells.

Spermatogonia

Diploid somatic cells in males that undergo spermatogenesis.

Seminiferous Tubules

Located in the seminiferous tubules within the testes.

Spermatogenesis

Process in males that produces sperm.

Oogonia

Diploid somatic cells in females that undergo oogenesis.

oogonia

Located in the ovarian follicle within the ovary.

Oogenesis

Process in females that produces an ovum.

Zygote

A fertilized ovum and sperm, resulting in a diploid cell.

Homologous Pair

Pairs of chromosomes (one from each parent) that have the same number and code for the same genetic traits.

Mitosis

Process where diploid somatic cells divide into identical diploid cells.

Embryo

Early stage of development from zygote up to 8 weeks.

Fetus

Later stage of development after 8 weeks until birth.

Differentiation

Process where some genes are turned on or off, causing cells to develop different structures, appearances and enzymatic functions.

Autosomes

The first 22 pairs of chromosomes that do not determine the sex of the zygote.

Sex Chromosomes

The 23rd pair of chromosomes that determines the sex of the zygote (XX for female, XY for male).

SRY Gene

Sex-determining region of the Y chromosome.

TDF (Testis determining factor )

resulting in the production of testosterone.

S Phase

Phase of interphase where all 46 chromosomes are identically replicated.

Centromere

Structure where 2 identical sister chromatids are held together.

Synapsis

The point where homologous pairs closely associate with one another during prophase I of meiosis.

Tetrad

The four chromatids (two from each homologous chromosome) that form during synapsis in prophase I of meiosis.

Genetic Crossing Over

The process where broken chromatids reattach to the wrong homologous pair during meiosis I, resulting in genetic recombination.

Interkinesis

The brief pause between meiosis I and meiosis II.

Spermatids

Immature sperm cells formed after meiosis II.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Hormone from pituitary gland influencing meiosis in seminiferous tubules.

Sertoli Cells or Nurse Cells

cells in the seminiferous tubules to ensure successful development of sperm.

Inhibin

Hormone produced by sertoli cells, which inhibits FSH when sperm production is adequate.

Leydig Cells

Cells located in between seminiferous tubules produce testosterone.

Interstitial Cell Stimulating Hormone (ICSH)

Hormone from anterior pituitary gland that influences the production of testosterone by leydig cells.

Scrotum

Sac outside of body containing the testes.

Head

Contains nucleus with 23 chromosomes of mature sperm cell.

Mid Piece

Contains mitochondria for energy of mature sperm cell.

Tail

Flagellum for movement of mature sperm cell.

Acrosome (lysosome)

enzyme on tip of the head on sperm needed to penetrate cluster of follicular cells (corona radiata) that surrounds secondary oocyte.

Hyaluronidase

Enzyme that helps the sperm cell penetrate the secondary oocyte at fertilization.

Epididymis

Tightly coiled tube resting on the outside of each testes within the scrotum.

Vas Deferens

Smooth muscle in epididymis propels sperm into

Spermatic Cord

Contains spermatic testicular arteries & vein, lymph vessel and nerve.

Seminal Vesicle

secretes alkaline fluid to maintain basic pH and sugars used by midpiece for ATP for movement of flagellum accompanying sperm.

Prostate Gland

Gland that produces alkaline fluids.

Cowper's Gland

Last part of the male urethra.

Penis

Shaft of penis 3 areas of erectile tissue; single corpus spongiosum (spongy body) and paired corpora cavernosa (larger carnivorous body).

Fundus

Region of the uterus is a rounded bulge on top.

Body

Large region in the middle of the uterus.

Cervix

The inferior region of the uterus.

Serosa

Outer layer of uterine wall.

Myometrium

Thick layer of smooth muscle of the uterus.

Endometrium

Mucosal lining of the uterus.

superficial Layer

layer of the endometrium rich with blood vessels that grow and thicken for implantation; sloughs off in menstrual flow.

Deep Layer

nutritional layer of the endometrium that gives nutrition to the superficial layer.

Estrogen

Hormone produced by follicle that stimulates growth and enrichment of the superficial lining of the endometrium.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Hormone released which causes ovulation of secondary oocyte.

Corona Radiata

Cluster of protective cells surrounding secondary oocyte.

Fimbriae

Finger extensions that draw oocyte to fallopian tube.

Progesterone and estrogen

Hormone that is lipid, which gives engorged follicle a yellowish color (corpus luteum)

Corpus Luteum

Follicle without oocyte during ovulation to produce progesterone.

Corpus Albican

Scar tissue deteriorates and forms during menstruation.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)

Hormone from early embryo (blastocyst).

Lobes

Mammary glands of breast.

Prolactin (PRL)

Made in anterior pituitary stim break growth, milk production and release of milk behind nipple.

Oxytocin (OT)

Stim labor contractions and mother- baby bond.

Prolactin Inhibitory Hormone

Prevents prolactin production during pregnancy.

Mourla

Solid ball of cells during early stage of development; moves toward uterus.

chorion and amnion sac

blastocysts divides and forms

Embryogenesis

Primary germ layers differentiate and become tissue, organs and organ systems of embryogenesis.

Morphogenesis

Shape development as part of embryonic stages.

Germ Layers

Ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm.

Ectopic Pregnancy

Implantation in fallopian tube before reaching uterus.

Nondisjunction

Pairs of chromosomes during meiosis do not pull apart properly during anaphase I.

Monomoy

One copy of a chromosome (45 total chromosomes).

Trisomy

Three copies of a chromosome (47 total chromosomes).