Meiosis & Reproductive system

meiosis

Cell division that produces reproductive cells in sexually reproducing organisms

asexual reproduction

Process by which a single parent reproduces by itself

crossing over

Process in which homologous chromosomes exchange portions of their chromatids during meiosis.

gamete

specialized cell involved in sexual reproduction

independent assortment

Independent segregation of genes during the formation of gametes

oogenesis

the production, growth, and maturation of an egg, or ovum

polar body

haploid cell produced during meiosis in the female of many species; these cells have little more than DNA and eventually disintegrate

sexual reproduction

A reproductive process that involves two parents that combine their genetic material to produce a new organism, which differs from both parents

spermatid

an immature male sex cell formed from a spermatocyte that can develop into a spermatozoon without further division.

spermatogenesis

the production of sperm cells

ejaculation

ejection of sperm and fluid from the male urethra

Epididymis

A long, coiled duct on the outside of the testis in which sperm mature.

penis

Male reproductive organ

scrotum

External sac that contains the testes

semen

A thick fluid containing sperm and other secretions from the male reproductive system

seminiferous tubules

Narrow, coiled tubules that produce sperm in the testes.

testes

produce sperm and testosterone

vas deferens

tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra

cervix

The opening to the uterus

corpus luteum

empty ovarian follicle that secretes progesterone after release of the egg cell

fallopian tube

tubes which carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus and which provides the place where fertilization occurs

follicle

the sac in the ovary in which the egg develops

follicular phase

The first phase of the ovarian cycle, during which a follicle (an oocyte and its surrounding cells) enlarges and matures. This phase is under the control of FSH from the anterior pituitary, and typically lasts from day 1 to day 14 of the menstrual cycle. The follicle secretes estrogen during this time period.

labia

folds of skin outside of the vagina

luteal phase

The third phase of the ovarian cycle, during which a corpus luteum is formed from the remnants of the follicle that has ovulated its oocyte. The corpus luteum secretes progestrone and estrogen during this time period, which typically lasts from day 15 to day 28 of the menstrual cycle. Formation of the corpul luteum is triggered by the same LH surge that triggers ovulation, however in the absence of LH (levels quickly decline after the surge) the corpus luteum begins to degenerate.

menopause

the time of natural cessation of menstruation; also refers to the biological changes a woman experiences as her ability to reproduce declines

menstrual cycle

Cycle during which an egg develops and is released from an ovary and the uterus is prepared to receive a fertilized egg.

menstruation

Last phase of the menstrual cycle in which the lining of the uterus along with blood and the unfertilized ovum are discharged through the vagina.

ovary

produces eggs, estrogen, and progesterone

ovulation

The process of releasing a mature ovum into the fallopian tube each month

ovum

A mature egg cell

uterus

Female organ of reproduction used to house the developing fetus.

vagina

A muscular, elastic passageway that extends from the uterus to the outside of the body