Gametes, zygote, meiosis, chromosome number

Gametes

Specialized sex cells (sperm and eggs) that fuse during fertilization

Zygote

Fertilized egg formed by the fusion of a sperm and an egg

Meiosis

Cell division producing gametes, reducing chromosome number by half

Chromosome number

Number of chromosomes in a cell; halved during meiosis for gametes

Uterine (menstrual) cycle phases

Menstruation, proliferative phase, secretory phase

Corpus luteum

Temporary endocrine structure from mature follicle remnants, secretes hormones

Vagina function

Muscular tube serving as birth canal, menstrual flow passage, and sperm repository

Penis function

Male copulation and urination organ, facilitates insemination

Uterus function

Hollow organ for fetal development during pregnancy, sheds lining in menstruation

Spermatogenesis

Process of sperm cell production in the testes

Oogenesis

Process of egg cell production in the ovaries

Steps of spermatogenesis

Mitotic division, meiosis, and spermiogenesis for mature sperm cells

Steps of oogenesis

Meiosis producing one viable egg cell and polar bodies in females

Urinary sphincter

Muscular valve controlling urine flow from bladder to urethra

Ejaculation

Expulsion of semen from male reproductive tract, involving muscle contractions

Female and male sexual responses

Include arousal, plateau, orgasm, and resolution phases with organ and timing differences

Movement of sperm and ova

Sperm through male duct system, ova through female duct system, propelled by contractions

Blood-testis barrier

Physical barrier by Sertoli cells in testes, protecting developing sperm cells