Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology: The Reproductive System

A compilation of vocabulary terms and definitions related to the reproductive system, key concepts from anatomy and physiology.

Gonads

Primary sex organs that produce gametes and hormones; testes in males and ovaries in females.

Gametes

Sex cells produced by the gonads; sperm in males and ova (eggs) in females.

Accessory reproductive organs

Remaining structures in the reproductive system other than gonads.

Zygote

The fertilized egg formed when sperm and egg fuse.

Testes

Male gonads that produce sperm and hormones.

Ovaries

Female gonads that produce ova (eggs) and hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

Epididymis

Duct system where immature sperm mature.

Ductus deferens

Muscular tube that transports sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.

Vasectomy

A surgical procedure that cuts the ductus deferens to prevent sperm transportation.

Semen

A mixture of sperm and secretions from male accessory glands.

Prostate

A gland that surrounds the urethra and produces fluid that activates sperm.

Ovulation

The release of a mature egg from an ovarian follicle.

Corpus luteum

The structure formed from a ruptured follicle that secretes hormones.

Oogenesis

The process of producing ova in the female reproductive system.

Estrogen

Hormone produced by ovarian follicles; responsible for female secondary sex characteristics.

Progesterone

Hormone produced by the corpus luteum that prepares the uterus for pregnancy.

Menstrual cycle

Cyclic changes in the endometrium, regulated by hormones; typically lasts about 28 days.

Cleavage

Rapid mitotic divisions of the zygote following fertilization.

Blastocyst

A hollow structure formed during early embryonic development; attached to the endometrium.

Amniotic sac

Fluid-filled sac that surrounds and protects the developing embryo.

Placenta

An organ formed during pregnancy that provides nutrients and removes waste for the fetus.

Parturition

The process of childbirth, involving a series of events to expel the infant.

Puberty

The stage of development during which a child matures sexually and becomes capable of reproduction.

Menopause

The end of a female's reproductive period, marked by the cessation of menstruation.

Contraception

Methods used to prevent pregnancy.

LH

Which hormone triggers ovulation?

Areola

Central pigmented area of the breast

Nipple

Protruding central area of areola

Lobes

Internal structures that radiate around nipple

Alveolar glands

Produce milk when a woman is lactating

Pregnancy

Time from fertilization until infant is born

Conceptus

Developing offspring

Gestation period

From date of last period until birth

prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis

What are the stages of mitosis?

Mitosis

_____ results in two identical diploid daughter cells

Meosis

______ results in four genetically diverse haploid gametes

Mitosis

____ involves one cell division

Brain development and organ maturity

How would a premature birth affect the baby?

Parturition

Term for pregnancy

Menarche

Term for first period

Prostatitis

Inflammation of the prostate

Meiosis

____ consists of two sucessive divisions of the nucleus and results in four daughter cells.