Reproductive System

Gametes

Form specialized cells for sexual reproduction, ex. sperm and ova(eggs)

Zygote

Sperm and egg fuse, first cell of new individual and all body cells arise from it

Gestation

Developing fetus

Parturition

Birth of baby

Gonads

Primary sex organs, ex. testes and ovaries

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)

Released from hypothalamus, stimulates anterior pituitary gland

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Targets gonads (sperm production, ovum development, and estrogen production)

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Target gonads (testosterone production, ovulation, and estrogen/progesterone production)

Puberty

Period of life when reproductive organs grow to adult size and become functional

Testes

Sperm-producing gonads within scrotum

Scrotum

Sac of skin surrounding testes

Dartos muscle

Layer of smooth muscle in superficial fascia

Cremaster muscles

Bands of skeletal muscle elevate testes

Spermatic cord

Encloses vas deferens, nerve fibers, blood vessels, and lymphatics that supply testes

Vasectomy

Cutting and ligating ductus deferens

Seminal glands

On posterior bladder surface, contains smooth muscle that contracts during ejaculation, produces viscous seminal fluid (70% volume of semen)

Prostate

Encircles urethra inferior to bladder, consists of smooth muscle that contracts during ejaculation, secretes milky, slightly acid fluid that contains prostate-specific antigen (PSA) (1/3 of semen volume)

Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Constricts urethra making urination difficult leading to incomplete emptying

Bulbourethral glands

Pea-sized glands inferior to prostate, produce thick, clear mucus during sexual arousal

Prostatic urethra

Surrounding by prostate

Membranous urethra

In urogenital diaphragm

Spongy urethra

Runs through penis

Prepuce (foreskin)

Loose skin covering glans

Corpus spongiosum

Erectile tissue that surrounds urethra (inferior)

Corpora cavernosa

Erectile tissue that pairs dorsal erectile bodies

The male perineum

Diamond-shaped region between pubic symphysis, coccyx, and ischial tuberosities

Erectile dysfunction

Parasympathetic nerves of penis release too little NO (nitric oxide) leading to inability to attain erection

Ovarian follicles

Tiny sac-like structures embedded in cortex, contains immature egg (oocyte)

Fallopian tubes

Receive ovulated oocyte and serve as site of fertilization

Infundibulum

Distal end ; contains fimbriae which coerce egg into ovary

Ampulla

Forms half of uterine tube length ; is site where fertilization usually occurs

Isthmus

Medial third empties into uterus

Ectopic pregnancy

Oocyte is fertilized in peritoneal cavity or distal uterine tube and begins developing there

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Spread of infection from reproductive tract to peritoneal cavity, may cause scar tissue + lead to infertility

Body (Uterus)

Main portion

Fundus (Uterus)

Superior portion

Cervix (Uterus)

Opening (neck)

Perimetrium

Outermost layer of the uterine wall

Myometrium

Middle layer consisting of smooth muscle of the uterine wall, contracts rhythmically during childbirth

Endometrium

Mucosal lining of the uterine wall, fertilized egg burrows here and resides there during development, sheds during menses

Vulva

Consists of mons pubis, labia majora, and labia minora

Mons pubis

Fatty area overlying pubic symphysis

Labia majora

Hair-covered, fatty skin folds

Labia minora

Skin folds lying within labia majora