Human Reproductive Systems Anatomy and Physiology

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the structures, functions, and pathways of the male and female reproductive systems based on the lecture notes.

Testes

Organs that produce sperm cells.

Epididymis

The site of sperm development & maturity.

Vasa deferentia

Tubes lined with smooth muscle that carry sperm out of the testes during ejaculation; also the site of a vasectomy.

Seminal vesicle

A structure that adds fructose as an energy source and prostaglandins to induce uterine contractions to semen.

Prostate gland

A structure that adds an alkaline fluid to semen to protect sperm cells from the acidic environment of the female reproductive tract.

Bulbourethral gland

A structure that secretes mucus to lubricate the urethra before ejaculation and produces pre-ejaculatory fluid.

Urethra

A duct that carries semen or urine out of the body.

Penis

External male reproductive organ that deposits semen into the female vagina.

Scrotum

A sac of skin and muscle that holds the testes external to the body where the temperature is cooler for increased sperm survival.

Bladder

A structure that stores urine.

Ejaculatory duct

A tube formed when the vas deferens and seminal vesicle meet to combine sperm, alkaline fluid, and other fluids before ejaculation.

Semen

Fluid ejaculated from the urethra consisting of $95\%$ seminal fluid and $5\%$ sperm cells.

Vasectomy

A permanent form of birth control for men that requires cutting and tying off the vas deferens to block the release of sperm.

Ovaries

Organs that produce and store eggs (oocytes); typically one egg is released once a month.

Follicle

A layer of small cells that surround, nourish, and protect a single egg.

Corpus luteum

The structure that remains when the egg leaves the follicle during ovulation.

Fimbriae

Finger-like projections at the end of the Fallopian tube that help sweep the egg from the ovary during ovulation.

Fallopian tube (oviduct)

The structure the egg is released into during ovulation; it is the site of fertilization and tubal ligation.

Endometrium

The blood-rich tissue lining the inside of the uterus where a fertilized egg implants.

Cervix

The neck of the uterus that must dilate (widen) during pregnancy.

Uterus

Also known as the womb; the site of pregnancy.

Vagina

The site of sperm deposit; it is also known as the birth canal.

Tubal ligation

A permanent form of birth control for women that requires cutting and tying off the Fallopian tube to prevent sperm and egg from uniting.

Sperm Pathway

Testes → Epididymis → Vas deferens → Ejaculatory duct in the prostate → Urethra → Penis.

Egg Pathway

Ovary → Fallopian tube (fertilization) → Endometrium (implantation in the uterus).