Reproductive system, Dr. Clapp Biology I

Hormone

A chemical messenger that organizes, coordinates, and controls functions of cells and tissues

Where hormones are secreted from

Glands and tissues throughout the body

Pituitary gland

The master gland that makes, stores, and releases many hormones

Pineal gland

Gland that controls the release of melatonin

Melatonin

Hormone that regulates sleep cycles

Autonomic nervous system

System that helps regulate hormone release and body functions

Testes

Male reproductive organs that produce sperm and testosterone

Scrotum

Sac that holds the testes and regulates temperature

Epididymis

Coiled tube where sperm mature and are stored

Vas deferens

Tube that transports sperm from epididymis to urethra

Seminal vesicles

Glands that produce fluid that nourishes sperm

Prostate gland

Adds protective fluid to semen

Urethra

Tube that carries urine and semen out of the body

Penis

Male organ used to deliver sperm during reproduction

Ovaries

Female organs that produce eggs and hormones estrogen and progesterone

Fallopian tubes

Tubes that carry eggs from ovaries to uterus and where fertilization occurs

Uterus

Muscular organ where a fertilized egg develops into a fetus

Endometrium

Inner lining of the uterus that thickens during the menstrual cycle

Cervix

Lower opening of the uterus connecting to the vagina

Vagina

Muscular canal that serves as birth canal and receives sperm

Vulva

The external female reproductive structures

Menstrual cycle

The monthly cycle preparing the female body for pregnancy

Ovulation

The release of an egg from the ovary

Follicular phase

Phase when follicles in the ovary mature an egg

Luteal phase

Phase after ovulation when progesterone prepares uterus for pregnancy

Menstruation

Shedding of the uterine lining

Fertilization

The union of sperm and egg

Zygote

The fertilized egg cell

Embryo

Early stage of human development after fertilization

Placenta

Organ that provides nutrients and oxygen to the developing fetus

Progesterone

Hormone that maintains the uterine lining during pregnancy

Estrogen

Hormone that supports female reproductive development

hCG

Hormone that maintains pregnancy early on