Unit H: The Reproductive System - Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards for Unit H (The Reproductive System) based on the provided lecture notes.

Homologous

Structures that are similar in different species because of common ancestry.

Primary/Secondary Sex Characteristics

Physical and physiological differences between males and females.

External Genitalia

External reproductive organs.

Penis

Male copulatory organ.

Scrotum

Pouch of skin that contains the testes.

Testes (Testicles)

Male gonads that produce sperm and testosterone.

Spongy Tissue

Erectile tissue in the penis.

Erection

The state of the penis when it is filled with blood and becomes rigid.

Gonads

Organs that produce gametes (sex cells).

Seminiferous Tubules

Tubes in the testes where sperm are produced.

Sertoli Cells

Cells in the seminiferous tubules that support and nourish developing sperm.

Interstitial Cells (Leydig Cells)

Cells in the testes that produce testosterone.

Testosterone

Primary male sex hormone.

Sperm

Male gamete (sex cell).

Epididymis

A coiled tube located on the surface of the testis where sperm mature.

Vas Deferens

A tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.

Axial Filament (Tail)

The tail of the sperm used for movement.

Middle Piece

Part of the sperm containing mitochondria.

Head

Part of the sperm containing the nucleus.

Acrosome Cap

A cap-like structure on the head of the sperm that contains enzymes to help it penetrate the egg.

Egg (Ovum)

Female gamete (sex cell).

Spermatogenesis

The process of sperm production.

Semen

Fluid containing sperm and accessory gland secretions.

Accessory Glands

Glands that contribute fluid to semen: seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands.

Bulbourethral Glands (Cowper’s Glands)

Glands that secrete a fluid that lubricates and neutralizes the acidity of the urethra.

Vagina

The female copulatory organ and birth canal.

Urethra

The tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.

Ejaculation

The process of expelling semen from the male reproductive tract.

Ejaculatory Duct

A short duct formed by the joining of the vas deferens and the seminal vesicle.

Male Puberty

The period of sexual maturation, during which a person becomes capable of reproducing.

Hypothalamus

A region of the brain that controls many bodily functions, including reproduction.

Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)

A hormone released by the hypothalamus that stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to release FSH and LH.

Anterior Pituitary Gland

A gland in the brain that produces and releases hormones, including FSH and LH.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

A hormone that stimulates the production of sperm in males and the growth of follicles in females.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

A hormone that stimulates the production of testosterone in males and ovulation in females.

Ovaries

Female gonads that produce eggs and estrogen.

Ovarian Ligaments

Connective tissues that hold the ovaries in place.

Estrogen

Primary female sex hormone.

Progesterone

A female sex hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy.

Oviduct (Fallopian Tube)

The tube that carries the egg from the ovary to the uterus.

Cilia

Hair-like projections that line the oviduct and help move the egg toward the uterus.

Fimbriae

Finger-like projections at the end of the oviduct that help guide the egg into the oviduct.

Ovulation

The release of an egg from the ovary.

Oocyte (Egg)

A developing egg cell.

Uterus

The organ in the female reproductive system where a fetus develops.

Myometrium

The muscular outer layer of the uterus.

Endometrium

The inner lining of the uterus.

Basal Layer

The layer of the endometrium that is not shed during menstruation.

Inner Lining

The portion of the endometrium that is shed during menstruation.

Placenta

The organ that provides nutrients and oxygen to the developing fetus.

Cervix

The lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

Childbirth

The process of delivering a baby.

Vulva

The external female genitalia.

Mons Pubis

A pad of fatty tissue that lies over the pubic bone.

Labia (Labia Majora and Labia Minora)

Folds of skin that protect the opening of the vagina.

Clitoris

A small, sensitive organ located at the top of the vulva; for sexual pleasure.

Clitoral Glans

The exposed portion of the clitoris.

Menstrual Cycle

The monthly cycle of changes that occur in the female reproductive system.

Uterine / Ovarian Cycles

The cycles that describe the changes to the ovaries and uterus lining.

Follicular / Luteal Phases

The phases of the ovarian cycle.

Menstruation

The shedding of the endometrium.

Corpus Luteum

A temporary endocrine gland that produces progesterone.

Positive / Negative Feedback Loops

Systems that regulate hormone production.

Zygote

A fertilized egg.

Blastocyst

A hollow ball of cells that forms after fertilization.

Embryo

A developing human from fertilization to the eighth week of pregnancy.

Implantation

The process of the blastocyst embedding itself in the uterine lining.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)

A hormone produced by the placenta that maintains the corpus luteum.

Pregnancy

The state of carrying a developing fetus.

Trimester

A three-month period of pregnancy.

Morning Sickness

Nausea and vomiting that can occur during pregnancy.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter that plays a role in lactation.

Prolactin

A hormone that stimulates milk production.

Braxton-Hicks Contractions

Practice contractions that occur during pregnancy.

False Labour

Contractions that do not lead to cervical dilation.

Oxytocin

A hormone that stimulates uterine contractions.

True Labour

Contractions that lead to cervical dilation and delivery.

Amniotic Sac

The sac that surrounds the fetus and contains amniotic fluid.

“Water Breaking”

The rupture of the amniotic sac.

Episiotomy

An incision made in the perineum to widen the vaginal opening.

Umbilical Cord

The cord that connects the fetus to the placenta.

Afterbirth

The placenta and other tissues that are expelled from the uterus after childbirth.