Reproductive Organs Bio

Testes

Sperm-producing male gonads located in the scrotum.

Scrotum

Extra-abdominal pouch that keeps testes 3 degrees cooler for sperm production.

Seminiferous tubules

Tightly coiled tubes within the testes where sperm are produced.

Spermatic cord

Structure containing the vas deferens, blood vessels, and nerves; susceptible to twisting.

Testicular torsion

Medical emergency where a testicle rotates and cuts off its blood supply.

Epididymis

Six-meter long duct where sperm mature and gain the ability to swim.

Vas deferens

Duct that transports sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.

Urethra

Common passageway for both urine and semen to exit the body.

Semen

Mixture of sperm and gland secretions that protect and activate sperm.

Seminal glands

Glands producing 70% of semen volume to increase sperm motility.

Prostate

Doughnut-shaped gland that activates sperm and encircles the urethra.

Bulbourethral glands

Glands that secrete mucus to neutralize urine acidity in the urethra.

Corpora cavernosa

Erectile tissue layers that fill with blood to make the penis rigid.

Vasectomy

Surgical procedure cutting the vas deferens to prevent sperm from leaving the body.

Ovaries

Female gonads that produce eggs, estrogen, and progesterone.

Estrogen

Hormone responsible for female secondary sex characteristics and organ maturation.

Progesterone

Hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy and thickens its lining.

Ovulation

Monthly process where a mature egg is ejected from an ovarian follicle.

Fallopian tubes

Ducts that receive the egg and serve as the site for fertilization.

Fimbriae

Fringe-like projections that sweep the egg into the Fallopian tube.

Uterus

Muscular organ that receives, protects, and nourishes a developing fetus.

Endometrium

The inner mucosal lining of the uterus shed during menstruation.

Myometrium

The middle muscle layer of the uterus that contracts during childbirth.

Ectopic pregnancy

Dangerous condition where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.

Cervix

The lower narrow portion of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

Vagina

Acidic canal used for intercourse, menstruation, and childbirth.

Vulva

Collective term for external female genitalia including the labia and clitoris.

Clitoris

Sensitive erectile tissue located anterior to the vestibule.

Mammary glands

Modified sweat glands that produce milk for infant nourishment.