Unit 10: Reproductive System Overview

Testosterone

male hormone

Fetus

last 7 months of prenatal development

Semen

fluid ejaculation from the penis

Fertilization

sperm cell joins egg

Erection

when the penis becomes engorged with blood and hard

Prostate gland

adds a chemical fluid to the semen

Ovaries

glands that produce the egg cells and hormones

Egg cells

cells produced in the ovaries

Cervix

entrance to the uterus

Seminal vesicles

adds a sugary fluid to semen

Testes

organs that produce sperm

Vas deferens

tube that carries sperm from testes

Ejaculation

when the semen leaves the penis

Puberty

begins at about age 12 or 13

Scrotum

sac that regulates the temperature of the testes

Vagina

female organ of intercourse; birth canal

Fallopian tubes

where fertilization takes place

Embryo

first two months of development in the uterus

Estrogen

a hormone produced in the ovaries

Uterus

houses the fetus during pregnancy

Labia

folds of skin outside the vagina

Epididymis

stores sperm cells

Urethra

brings urine and semen out of the body through the penis

Clitoris

female erectile tissue between the labia

Sperm cells

cells produced in the testes

Placenta

organ that nourishes the fetus

Conception

onset of pregnancy, union of sperm and egg (ovum)

Contraceptive

a device or drug serving to prevent pregnancy

Ectopic

located away from a normal position

Erectile

capable of becoming rigid and elevated when filled with blood

Fertility

capacity of conceive or induce conception

Fibroid

tissue composed of threadlike fibrous structure

Genital

reproductive organ

Gestation

development of young from conception to birth pregnancy

Intercourse

sexual union

Lactation

production and secretion of milk by the mammary glands

Mammography

radiological view of breasts

Menses

normal flow of blood and uterine lining that occurs in cycle in women

Menstrual cycle

the recurring cycle of change of the reproductive organs induced by hormones

Ovulation

release of the egg from the ovary

Sterile

unable to produce offspring

Stillborn

born dead

Cervix

The lower portion of the uterus and a common site of cancer in women.

Fallopian Tube

One of two tubes through which a mature egg travels after ovulation.

Vagina

The female organ of intercourse.

Ovary

Two almond-shaped organs where egg cells are produced.

Uterus

The pear-shaped organ where the lining thickens in preparation for a fertilized egg.

Fimbria

Finger-like projections at the end of the fallopian tubes that help guide the ovum.

Ovum

A mature egg released during ovulation.

Uterine Lining

The tissue that thickens in the uterus in preparation for a fertilized egg.

Menstruation

The process where the egg leaves the body along with the lining of the uterus and a small amount of blood if not fertilized.

Egg cells

Cells produced in the ovaries that can develop into a mature ovum.

Estrogen

A hormone that triggers the development of the female reproductive system.

Progesterone

A hormone that plays a role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

Puberty

The period of physical changes triggered by hormones in a girl.

Sperm cell

The male reproductive cell that fertilizes the ovum.

Bladder

An organ that stores urine.

Seminal Vesicle

A gland that produces a sugary fluid that nourishes sperm.

Prostate

A gland that produces a chemical fluid that is part of semen and is a common site of cancer in men.

Vas deferens

A larger tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the penis.

Urethra

The tube that carries semen from the body and also urine from the bladder.

Penis

The external male reproductive organ.

Scrotum

The sac that protects the testes.

Testicle

The gland where sperm is produced.

Epididymis

The coiled tube where sperm is stored after production.

Cowper's Gland

Glands located near the bladder that produce fluid that is part of semen.

Semen

The fluid that is ejaculated from the penis, containing sperm and other fluids.

Orgasm

The climax of sexual excitement, during which semen is ejaculated.

Erection

The process where the penis becomes stiff and hard due to blood engorgement.

Nocturnal emissions

Uncontrolled ejaculation during sleep.

ejaculation of semen

expulsion of semen

Functions of the Reproductive system

to reproduce, includes gonads and ovaries, passing of genetic material to offspring

Sex cells

gametes

Sperm/ova

gametes involved in fertilization

Fertilization

Joining of gametes

Zygote

Conception: 2 weeks

Embryo

2 weeks- 8 weeks

Fetus

8 weeks - birth

Neonate

Birth to one month of age

Testes

4-5 cm, produce spermatozoa

Epididymis

Secrete testosterone, tube on each testes, stores sperm

Seminal vesicle

adds fluid that increases volume and nourishes sperm

Prostate Gland

below bladder, fluid that protects sperm

Urethra

urine and semen excretion

Ovaries

produce: eggs, estrogen, progesterone; hormones prepare egg for fertilization and growth of placenta

Fallopian Tubes

Fertilization occurs in fallopian tube

Uterus

zygote implanted in uterus after fertilization; endometrium is the inner layer of uterus shed during menstrual cycle

Vagina

muscular tube that extends from cervix to outside of body

Vulva

external female genital

labia majora

fold of adipose tissue that protect vaginal opening

mon pubis

fat that joins the vulva

labia minora

folds of skin between labia majora

Clitoris

erectile tissue

mammary glands

breasts (excluded)

Menstruation

Lasts about: 28 days

Week 4 of Fetal Development

Embryo is ¼ inch long, has a head body and tail, eyes and ears can be seen, heart pumps blood to body

Week 5 of Fetal Development

Nose can be seen

Week 6 of Fetal Development

Embryo is ½ inch in length, leg buds are present, increase brain development, gonads start to produce hormones

Week 7 of Fetal Development

Embryo is ¾ inches in length, can move its hands, fingers are defined, internal organs are visible, skull bones are growing at the crown

Week 8 of Fetal Development

Almost 1 inch long, liver is very large, bones begin to form, testes and ovaries are distinguishable, now called a fetus