Male/Female Reproductive System & Puberty Study Guide

By: Kareem Ibrahim

Testes

Produce sperm and testosterone

Scrotum

Pouch that holds testes outside body to keep sperm cooler

Epididymis

Where sperm mature and are stored

Vas deferens

Tube that carries sperm

Urethra

Tube that carries urine and semen out of body

Seminal vesicles

Add sugary fluid to nourish sperm

Prostate gland

Adds fluid that helps sperm move

Cowper’s glands

Produce lubricating fluid

Penis

External organ that delivers semen

Glans

Sensitive tip/head of penis

Foreskin

Skin covering glans on uncircumcised penis

Testosterone

Main male sex hormone

Puberty

Period when reproductive system matures

Semen

Mixture of sperm and fluids

Erection

Penis becomes stiff from increased blood flow

Ejaculation

Release of semen from body

Nocturnal emission

Wet dream during sleep

Sperm pathway

Testes → Epididymis → Vas deferens → Urethra → Penis

Ovaries

Produce egg cells and hormones

Fallopian tubes

Carry egg; fertilization usually happens here

Uterus

Womb where fetus develops

Uterine lining

Layer that thickens monthly for pregnancy

Cervix

Lower opening of uterus

Vagina

Birth canal/intercourse organ

Vulva

All external female genitalia

Labia majora

Outer folds of skin

Labia minora

Inner folds of skin

Clitoris

Sensitive area for sexual pleasure

Clitoral hood

Skin covering the clitoris

Urethral opening

Where urine leaves the body

Vaginal opening

Opening to the vagina

Hymen

Thin membrane near vaginal opening

Mons pubis

Fatty area with pubic hair

Estrogen

Main female sex hormone

Progesterone

Hormone that helps regulate menstrual cycle and pregnancy

Ovulation

Release of an egg from ovary

Menstruation

Shedding of uterine lining, also called a period

Ovum

Egg cell

Fertilization

When sperm joins egg

Where fertilization usually occurs

Fallopian tube

Where fetus develops

Uterus

Puberty changes in males

Deeper voice, facial hair, pubic hair, sperm production, growth spurt

Puberty changes in females

Breast development, hips widen, menstruation, pubic hair, growth spurt

Difference between sperm and semen

Sperm are male sex cells; semen is the fluid containing sperm

Difference between vulva and vagina

Vulva is external genitalia; vagina is the internal canal

Shared traits in both sexes

Puberty, hormones, genitals, pubic hair, urethra