Reproductive Biology: Gametes, Fertilization, and Hormones

Gametes

Reproductive cells, sperm in males and eggs in females.

Zygote

Fertilized egg with 46 chromosomes.

Mitosis

Cell division resulting in two identical daughter cells.

Meiosis

Reduction division halving chromosome numbers in gametes.

Testes

Produce sperm and testosterone in males.

Ovaries

Produce eggs, estrogen, and progesterone in females.

Uterus

Organ where the fetus develops.

Endometrium

Uterine lining that thickens for implantation and sloughs off if fertilization doesn't occur.

Seminiferous Tubules

Site of spermatogenesis in testes.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Hormone that stimulates follicle maturation in females and spermatogenesis in males.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Hormone that triggers ovulation in females and testosterone production in males.

Corpus Luteum

Structure that secretes progesterone after ovulation.

Placenta

Organ forming between maternal and fetal tissues, secreting HCG.

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

Hormone that maintains the corpus luteum during early pregnancy.

Fertilization

Union of sperm and egg to form a zygote.

Menstruation

Shedding of the uterine lining when no fertilization occurs.

Vasectomy

Surgical procedure cutting the vas deferens to prevent sperm transport.

Tubal Ligation

Surgical procedure cutting uterine tubes to prevent fertilization.

STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)

Infections transmitted through sexual contact, e.g., HIV, gonorrhea.

Prostate Gland

Produces seminal fluid and connects ejaculatory duct to urethra.