Marieb Human Anatomy & Physiology Chapter 27: The Reproductive System

These flashcards focus on vocabulary related to the reproductive system as discussed in Chapter 27 of the Marieb Human Anatomy & Physiology textbook.

Gametes

Specialized cells for sexual reproduction; sperm in males and ova (eggs) in females.

Zygote

The first cell of a new organism, formed when sperm and egg fuse.

Gonads

Primary sex organs; in males they are the testes, and in females, the ovaries.

HPG axis

Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis; involves hormonal interactions that regulate gamete and sex hormone production.

Meiosis

A unique type of nuclear division that reduces the chromosome number in gametes by half.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Hormone produced by the anterior pituitary that stimulates gamete production in gonads.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Hormone from the anterior pituitary that triggers ovulation and regulates testosterone production in males.

Corpus luteum

Glandular structure formed from a ruptured follicle that produces hormones; crucial during pregnancy.

Spermatogenesis

The process of sperm formation in males, which begins at puberty.

Oogenesis

The process of forming female gametes (ova), which begins in the fetus and is completed after puberty.

Estrogens

Female sex hormones responsible for the development of female secondary sexual characteristics and regulation of the menstrual cycle.

Testosterone

The primary male sex hormone responsible for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics and spermatogenesis.

Erection

Enlargement and stiffening of the penis due to increased blood flow during sexual arousal.

Ejaculation

The expulsion of semen from the male reproductive tract during orgasm.

Menstruation

The shedding of the uterine lining when pregnancy does not occur, commonly referred to as the menstrual cycle.

Amenorrhea

The absence of menstruation, which can be caused by various factors including excessive exercise or low body fat.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Infectious diseases spread through sexual contact; significant cause of reproductive disorders.

Cryptorchidism

Failure of the testes to descend normally, potentially leading to sterility or increased cancer risk.

Andropause

The gradual decline in testosterone production in aging males.