Male and Female Reproductive Systems

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to male and female reproductive systems, including anatomical structures, processes, and hormonal functions.

Ovaries

Female reproductive organs that produce oocytes and hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

Uterine tubes

Paired structures that transport oocytes to the uterus and site for fertilization.

Gamete

A mature reproductive cell, such as sperm in males and oocytes in females.

Spermatogenesis

The process of sperm production that occurs in the testes.

Oogenesis

The process of egg (oocyte) production in females.

Corpus luteum

The structure formed from a ruptured follicle, secretes progesterone to maintain the uterine lining.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

A hormone that triggers ovulation and stimulates testosterone production in males.

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

A hormone that stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles and sperm production.

Acrosome

The cap of the sperm that contains enzymes used to penetrate the oocyte.

Sertoli cells

Support cells in the testes that nourish developing sperm and form the blood-testis barrier.

Leydig cells

Testicular cells that produce testosterone.

Epididymis

A coiled tube where sperm mature and are stored after being produced.

Prostate gland

A gland that produces a fluid that enhances mobility and protects sperm from infection semen.

Fimbriae

Fingerlike projections at the end of the uterine tubes that help capture the oocyte.

proliferative phase

increase FSH + estrogen thickens endometrial lining

ovulatory phase

high estrogen → LH surge causes the release of the oocyte from the follicle.

Seccretory phase

progestrone levels rise, preparing the endometrium for potential implantation of an embryo.

if theres no fertilization, menstration starts and the endometrial lining sheds.

if there is fertilization, hCG hormone maintains the endometrium.

hCG

hormone, which supports pregnancy by maintaining the endometrium after fertilization.

GnRH

hormone secreted by the hypothalamus that stimulates the release of FSH and LH from the pituitary gland, playing a crucial role in regulating the reproductive system.

high estrogen→pituitary→increase LH

vas deferens

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

seminal vesicles

glands that produce seminal fluid, nourishing sperm and forming a major component of semen. (buffers sperm)