Reproductive System Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards for the reproductive system lecture.

Sperm

Male sex cells

Ova/Egg

Female sex cells

Meiosis

Form of cell division that halves the number of chromosomes.

Haploid (Gametes)

Cells containing a single copy of each chromosome.

Diploid

Cells containing two copies of each chromosome.

Testosterone

Male sex hormone produced in the testes.

Seminiferous Tubules

Where sperm is produced.

Sertoli Cells

Cells that support and nourish sperm during development.

Leydig Cells

Cells that produce testosterone.

Progesterone/Oestrogen

Female sex hormones produced in the ovaries.

Primary Oocyte

Partially-developed egg/ova.

Endometrium

The functional layer of uterus rich in blood supply that is sloughed off and replaced each month during menstruation

Mitosis

Cell division producing two identical daughter cells (diploid)

Meiosis

Cell division producing four non-identical daughter cells (haploid)

Crossing Over/ Recombination (Synapsis)

Pairing up homologous chromosomes where segments of DNA are exchanged.

Gregor Mendel

The 'father of modern genetics.'

Alleles

Different forms of a gene (dominant vs recessive)

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a trait

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a trait

Spermatogenesis

Production of sperm cells

Oogenesis

Production of ova (egg)

Acrosome

Covers the head of sperm; contains lysosomal enzymes useful to digest protective covering of the egg.

Ovarian Follicles

Fluid-filled sacs that support the growth and development of oocytes.

PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Test

Test to presumptively identify semen.

Christmas Tree Stain

A confirmative test used to identify sperm