Anatomy of the Reproductive System

Flashcards for the anatomy of the reproductive system, with key vocabulary terms and definitions.

Reproductive System

Includes all organs that function in reproduction, dedicated for the continuation of the species, but not the individual.

Reproduction

The process by which organisms make more organisms like themselves.

Spermatozoa

Male sex cells (sperm), made in spermatogenesis.

Ova

Female sex cells (eggs), made in oogenesis.

Zygote

The diploid cell created by the fusion of gametes.

Fertilization

Fusion of an ovum and a spermatozoa, usually inside of the female reproductive organs.

In-vitro fertilization (IVF)

Modern alternative in which fertilization occurs outside of a human body.

Testicle (Testes)

Male reproductive gland where spermatogenesis occurs in the seminiferous tubules and testosterone is produced by Leydig cells.

Seminiferous Tubules

Site of spermatogenesis within the testes.

Leydig Cells

Cells in between the seminiferous tubules whose role is to produce and secrete the hormone testosterone.

Scrotum

Sac that contains the testicles, optimal for spermatogenesis at ~34°C.

Spermatogenesis

Meiosis in the male reproductive system occurring in the seminiferous tubules.

Sertoli Cells

Somatic cells in the walls of seminiferous tubules that regulate spermatogenesis by nourishing, transporting, and regulating spermatogenic cells.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that regulates testosterone production by Leydig cells.

Anterior Pituitary Gland

Endocrine (hormone) gland that hangs from the hypothalamus in the brain.

Epididymis

Structure where spermatids mature into spermatozoa, connecting the seminiferous tubules to the vas deferens.

Vas Deferens

Long muscular tube that connects the epididymis to the urethra.

Urethra

Muscular tube that extends from the bladder to the tip of the penis.

Seminal Vesicles

Accessory glands that produce and secrete seminal fluid, including fructose and proteins.

Prostate Gland

Accessory gland below the bladder that produces slightly basic fluid to neutralize acidity in the vagina.

Cowper's Gland

Accessory gland responsible for producing pre-ejaculate fluid to lubricate, clean, and neutralize the urethra.

Penis

Organ that facilitates the delivery of sperm to the female reproductive organs.

Ejaculation

Process involving muscle contractions that force spermatozoa into the vas deferens, mix secretions, and expel semen.

Vulva

Exterior structures of the female reproductive system, including the openings of the urethra and vagina; serves as the female sexual stimulatory organ.

Vagina

Tubular organ connecting the external reproductive anatomy to the uterus, functioning as a passageway for sperm, menstrual flow, and childbirth.

Cervix

Entrance to the uterus from the vagina, dilating during childbirth to allow passage of the fetus.

Uterus

Hollow, muscular organ involved in menstruation and fetal growth, with three layers: the endometrium, myometrium, and perimetrium.

Endometrium

Inner most tissue layer of the uterine wall, either shed during menstruation or allows implantation and nourishes a growing embryo.

Fallopian Tubes

Narrow tubes through which ova travel to reach the uterus, where fertilization can occur.

Fimbriae

Finger-like appendages at the end of the fallopian tubes that sweep over the ovary, carrying a mature ova into the fallopian tube.

Ovaries

Female reproductive gland where immature eggs are stored in follicles and ovulation occurs.

Follicles

Small fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries that each contain an immature egg.