The Reproductive System

Flashcards covering the basic anatomy and physiology of the male and female reproductive systems, including primary and accessory organs, gametogenesis, and hormonal functions.

Gonads

Primary sex organs that secrete sex hormones and produce sex cells (gametes).

Testes

The male gonads, which produce testosterone and sperm.

Ovaries

The female gonads, which produce estrogen, progesterone, and egg cells (ova).

Gametes

Haploid sex cells produced during meiosis, either sperm or egg cells.

Spermatogenesis

The process in males where sperm is made from spermatogenic cells.

Scrotum

Sac of skin that houses the testes, maintaining a lower temperature ideal for sperm production.

Seminal Glands

Accessory glands in males that produce semen, enhancing sperm motility and fertilizing ability.

Prostate

Gland in males that encircles the urethra and contributes prostatic secretion to the ejaculate, activating the sperm.

Bulbo-urethral glands

Glands in males that produce mucus to lubricate the head of the penis during sexual arousal.

Vulva

External genitalia in females, collectively consisting of the mons pubis, labia majora and minora, clitoris, and vestibule.

Ova

Female gametes, also known as egg cells, produced in the ovaries.

Oogenesis

The production of mature egg cells in the ovaries.

Follicles

Sacs in the cortex of the ovary, each housing an immature egg called an oocyte.

Uterus

The organ that receives a fertilized egg, retains it, and nourishes it through fetal development; also known as the womb.

Mammary glands

Glands found in the breasts that produce milk during pregnancy.