Human Anatomy and Physiology - Reproductive System

Flashcards covering the key vocabulary and definitions related to the male and female reproductive systems, microscopic anatomy, and ovarian/uterine cycles.

Functions of the Reproductive System

The production of gametes; Transport of the gametes so the male and female gametes combine to form a new individual

Male Reproductive System Functions

Produce sperm within testes; Nurture and transport the sperm in ducts until they exit the penis; Deliver sperm to the female vagina; Produce the sex hormones

Female Reproductive System Functions

Produce eggs within ovaries; Transport the eggs in uterine tubes (ovidicts) to the uterus; Vagina receives the sperm and acts as the birth canal; Allows the fertilized egg to develop within her body; Produce the sex hormones

Testes

Produce sperm and sex hormones

Epididymides

Ducts where sperm mature and some sperm are stored

Vasa deferentia

Conduct and store sperm

Seminal vesicles

Contribute nutrients and fluid to semen

Prostate gland

Contributes fluid to semen

Urethra

Conducts sperm

Bulbourethral glands

Contribute mucus-containing fluid to semen

Penis

Organ of sexual intercourse

Scrotum

Sacs that hold the testes, Help regulate the temperature of the testes

Testes

The primary male sex organs, produce sperm and male sex hormones

Interstitial Cells

Produce sex hormone testosterone

Epididymis

Sperm mature and are stored here

Seminiferous tubules

The production of sperm occurs here

Ovaries

Produce eggs and sex hormones

Uterine tubes

Conduct eggs; location of fertilization

Uterus

Houses developing fetus

Cervix

Contains opening to uterus

Vagina

Receives penis during sexual intercourse; serves as birth canal and as an exit for menstrual flow

Mammary glands

Modified sweat glands that produce milk that provides nourishment for a baby after birth

Follicles

each containing an immature egg (oocyte)

Ovulation

Monthly release of an oocyte from the ovary when a follicle ruptures

Ovarian cycle

The formation and release of an IMMATURE egg, controlled by GnRH from the hypothalamus.

Follicular Phase

FSH promotes the development of a FOLLICLE THAT SECRETES ESTROGEN

Luteal phase

LH promotes the development of the corpus luteum that functions to secrete progesterone