Module 1M: The Pubescent Period and Human Reproductive System

Comprehensive practice vocabulary flashcards covering male and female reproductive systems, puberty concepts, and menstrual cycle physiology based on lecture notes.

Gametogenesis

The production and development of gametes, specifically the egg cell in females and the sperm cell in males.

Oogenesis

The process of gamete development in females.

Spermatogenesis

The process of gamete development in males.

Penis

The male copulatory organ designed to deliver sperm to the female reproductive system and convey urine and seminal fluid.

Prepuce

The official term for the foreskin which covers the glans penis.

Scrotum

A divided sack of skin that maintains a constant temperature for spermatogenesis, ideally at $3\,^\circ\text{C}$ below body temperature.

Dartos Muscle

One of the two muscles that help protect the testes by contracting the skin of the scrotum when exposed to cold conditions.

Cremaster Muscle

Muscle that protects the testes from cold by pulling them closer to the body.

Testes

The primary male gonad that serves exocrine functions (producing sperm) and endocrine functions (secreting testosterone).

Tunica Albuginea

The fibrous connective white tissue that covers the testes.

Seminiferous Tubules

Tightly coiled structures within the lobules of the testes known as the sperm-forming factories.

Germ Cells

Cells in the seminiferous tubules that differentiate to form spermatozoa.

Sertoli Cells

Also known as sustentacular cells, these provide nourishment to the germ cells during development.

Leydig Cells

Interstitial cells lying in the soft connective tissue surrounding the seminiferous tubules that secrete testosterone.

Epididymis

A highly coiled tube, approximately $6\,\text{m}$ or $20\,\text{ft}$ long, that serves as the site of sperm maturation and temporary storage.

Ductus Deferens

Also known as the Vas Deferens, this tube is enclosed by a spermatic cord and propels live sperm during ejaculation.

Seminal Vesicles

Accessory glands that secrete a thick, viscous, alkaline fluid containing prostaglandins and nutrients like fructose and citric acid.

Prostate Gland

An accessory gland that secretes a thin, milky alkaline solution that enhances the motility of spermatozoa.

Bulbourethral Gland

Also known as Cowper's Gland, it secretes an alkaline mucus-like fluid to lubricate the urethra and neutralize acidic urine residue.

Semen

The transport medium for sperm with a normal sperm count of $50$ to $150$ million per milliliter and a relative alkalinity of $pH$ $7.2-7.6$.

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)

Produced by the Hypothalamus, it stimulates the Anterior Pituitary Gland to secrete LH and FSH.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

In males, it stimulates testosterone synthesis; in females, it stimulates follicle maturation and triggers ovulation.

Interstitial Cell Stimulating Hormone (ICSH)

Another name for Luteinizing Hormone in males due to its effect on the interstitial cells.

Inhibin

A regulatory hormone from the testes that inhibits the release of FSH to regulate sperm production.

Relaxin

Produced by the prostate gland, this hormone increases sperm motility.

Spermiogenesis

The last stage of sperm maturation in the epididymis where excess cytoplasm is shed and the sperm is compacted into a head, midpiece, and tail.

Capacitation

The process occurring in the woman's uterus where sperm acquired the ability to penetrate and fertilize an oocyte.

Vulva

The collective term for the female external genitalia.

Ovarian Follicles

Small sac-like structures in the ovary that contain an immature egg or oocyte.

Graafian Follicle

A mature, fluid-filled follicle that contains a mature ovum ready for ejection.

Ovulation

The ejection of a mature secondary oocyte from the ovary, triggered by high levels of LH.

Corpus Luteum

The ruptured follicle after ovulation that secretes progesterone to maintain the uterine lining.

Fimbriae

Finger-like projections at the end of the fallopian tube that catch the released ova during ovulation.

Ampulla

The section of the fallopian tube that is most often the site of fertilization.

Endometrium

The innermost, most vascular layer of the uterus where implantation of the embryo occurs.

Myometrium

The muscular layer of the uterus that plays an important role during labor.

Hymen

A thin and highly vascular fold partially closing the distal end of the vaginal opening.

Acinar Cells

Exocrine cells within the mammary glands that produce milk.

Prolactin

The hormone secreted by the Anterior Pituitary Gland responsible for milk production.

Oxytocin

Hormone from the PPG that stimulates uterine contractions and the let-down reflex for milk release.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

Indicator of pregnancy produced by the placenta that maintains the corpus luteum during the first trimester.

Decidua

The name for the modified thick mucous membrane lining the uterus during pregnancy.

Thelarche

The onset of female breast development, usually occurring $1-2$ years before menarche.

Menarche

The term describing the onset of menstruation, typically around $12.4$ years old.

Adrenarche

The onset of androgen-dependent body changes in males, such as height increase and hair growth.

Spermarche

The onset of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis in males, which may lead to nocturnal emissions.

Gynecomastia

Temporary enlargement of the breast in young males due to hormonal imbalance during puberty.

Mittelschmerz

A sharp, sudden abdominal pain associated with ovulatory pain due to stretching of the ovary.

Dysmenorrhea

Painful menstruation.

Amenorrhea

The absence of menstruation.

Metrorrhagia

Irregular bleeding that occurs between menstrual periods.

Oligomenorrhea

Diminished or reduced menstrual flow.

Spinnbarkeit

The elasticity of ovulating cervical mucus, which becomes watery and stretchy during fertile periods.

Tanner Stages

Scales used to measure the stages of physical development in children, adolescents, and adults during puberty.