Human Physiology and Anatomy

Renal Cortex

The outer region of the kidney that forms a shell around the medulla and contains the renal columns.

Nephron

The functional unit of the kidney consisting of a renal corpuscle and a renal tubule.

Filtration, Reabsorption, Secretion

The three main processes involved in urine formation in the nephron.

Renal Medulla

The inner region of the kidney composed of renal pyramids, minor and major calyces, and the renal pelvis.

Glomerulus

A cluster of blood capillaries in the nephron responsible for filtration.

DCT, Loop of Henle, PCT

Different parts of the nephron involved in reabsorption and secretion processes.

Ureters

Tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder.

Follicle

The structure in the ovary that contains the developing egg and produces estrogen.

Estrogen, FSH, LH

Hormones involved in the maturation of follicles and regulation of the menstrual cycle.

Uterine Cycle

The cyclic changes in the uterus lining including the proliferative and secretory phases.

Mesoderm

Gives rise to muscular tissues like kidneys and heart.

Ectoderm

Develops into the central and peripheral nervous system.

Endocrine

Originates from all three germ layers.

Amnion

Surrounds the embryo, filled with amniotic fluid, protects and supports fetal development.

Chorion

Forms the fetal sac, develops into the placenta for blood and waste exchange.

Yolk sac

Provides early nutrition, gas exchange, and blood cell production for the embryo.

Allantois

Facilitates gas exchange and waste removal for the embryo.

Umbilical cord

Connects fetus to placenta, supports embryo in the amniotic cavity.

Placenta

Consists of embryonic and maternal portions, facilitates nutrient and waste exchange.

Progesterone

Synthesizes cholesterol, crucial for pregnancy maintenance.

PTH

Regulates blood calcium levels.

Estrogens

Stimulate uterine lining growth, inhibit FSH and LH, and promote gland development.

Human placental lactogen

Initiates milk production and breast development.

Oxytocin

Induces and sustains contractions during labor.

Prolactin

Stimulates milk production post-pregnancy.

Relaxin

Inhibits uterine contractions and relaxes pelvic ligaments.

FSH

Activates menstrual cycle post-pregnancy.

LH

Maintains the corpus luteum.

hCG

Supports pregnancy and prevents miscarriage.

Dilation stage

First stage of labor, reaching full dilation for pushing.

Expulsion stage

Baby is delivered.

Placental stage

Birth of the placenta after the baby.

Testes

Male gonads producing sperm cells.

Seminiferous tubules

Tiny tubes in the testes for sperm production.

Epididymis

Coiled tube for sperm maturation and storage.

Vas deferens

Duct for sperm transport from testes to prostate gland.

Prostate gland

Secretes fluids for sperm movement and viability.

Seminal vesicle

Produces fluid for sperm nourishment and movement.

Bulbourethral glands

Secrete fluid for lubrication during sexual activity.