Biological Process of Reproduction and Puberty

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the biological processes of reproduction, the stages of puberty, and the intricacies of the menstrual cycle based on the lecture notes.

Reproduction

The process by which organisms produce offspring, which in humans primarily occurs through sexual reproduction involving sperm and egg/ovum.

Sperm

The male gamete.

Egg/ovum

The female gamete.

Puberty

A period of hormonal, physical, and reproductive changes leading toward sexual maturity, preparing the body for reproductive capability.

Primary Sexual Characteristics

Body parts directly involved in reproduction, such as the ovaries and uterus in females, and the testes and penis in males.

Secondary Sexual Characteristics

Physical traits that develop during puberty but are not directly required for reproduction, such as breast development, voice deepening, and facial hair.

Tanner Stage 1 (Prepubertal)

The stage characterized by no visible pubertal changes and childlike reproductive development.

Tanner Stage 2 (Early Puberty)

The stage where testicular or breast development begins and sparse pubic hair appears.

Tanner Stage 3 (Mid Puberty)

The stage involving continued genital or breast development, darker and curlier pubic hair, and a growth spurt.

Tanner Stage 4 (Late Puberty)

The stage of further reproductive maturation with an adult-like pubic hair pattern.

Tanner Stage 5 (Adult Maturity)

The final stage where reproductive organs are fully developed and there is an adult pattern of pubic hair.

Menstrual Cycle

A recurring series of hormonal, ovarian, and uterine changes that prepares the body for possible pregnancy.

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

A hormone responsible for follicle development in the menstrual cycle.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

A hormone that triggers ovulation via a surge.

Estrogen

A hormone that promotes follicle development and endometrial growth.

Progesterone

A hormone that maintains the uterine lining for possible implantation.

Menstrual Phase

The phase in which the endometrium sheds.

Follicular Phase

The phase where the follicle develops and estrogen levels rise.

Ovulation Phase

The phase characterized by an LH surge that causes the release of the egg.

Luteal Phase

The phase where the corpus luteum produces progesterone to maintain the uterine lining.

Ovulation

The release of a mature egg from an ovarian follicle into the fallopian tube, remaining viable for $12-24\,\text{hours}$.

Zygote

The cell formed when a sperm fertilizes an egg.

Corpus Luteum

The ruptured follicle after ovulation that produces progesterone.

Fertile Window

The period before and around ovulation when pregnancy is most likely, accounting for sperm survival of up to $5\,\text{days}$.

Day 1 of Cycle

The first day of menstruation, which marks the beginning of a new menstrual cycle.

hCG

A hormone that helps maintain the corpus luteum if fertilization occurs.

Menstrual Stigma

Social myths and embarrassment that can lead to shame, teasing, exclusion, or discrimination regarding menstruation.