Reproduction

Estrous Cycle

Endocrine/physical events that prepare the reproductive tract for pregnancy.

Estrus

The period of receptivity to be bred by a male (being in heat).

Menstrual Cycle

Endocrine/physical events that prepare the reproductive tract for pregnancy, specific to humans and primates.

Corpus Luteum

A temporary structure formed in ovaries after ovulation that produces progesterone (P4), the 'hormone of pregnancy'.

Ovary Functions

Exocrine (gamete production) and endocrine (hormone production).

Ovulation

The release of the ovum from the follicle of the ovary.

Oviduct (Fallopian Tube) Functions

Captures ovum at ovulation, transports sperm and ovum, site of fertilization, and provides nutrition for embryo during transportation.

Uterus Functions

Site of gestation, placental attachment, and nourishment for the growing fetus.

Cervix

Protects the uterine environment, typically closed except during estrus and parturition.

Embryo

The developmental stage following fertilization, where the zygote (diploid) is formed by sperm (haploid) and ovum (haploid).

Placenta

Fetal origin structure that attaches to the uterine wall, facilitating exchange of nutrients and waste between mother and fetus.

Dystocia

Any problem during pregnancy that leads to a difficult birth.

Infundibulum

Part of the avian modified left oviduct that captures the follicle and is the site of fertilization.

Testes

Male reproductive organs responsible for producing sperm (exocrine) and hormones (endocrine) like testosterone and estrogen.

Semen Composition

Mixture of sperm and accessory fluids produced by accessory glands.

Epididymis

A tube that collects sperm from the testes, responsible for transport, maturation, and storage.

Vas Deferens

The long tube that rapidly transports sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.

Accessory Glands Functions

Produce fluids that aid in semen volume and nutrient provision, can stimulate contractions in the uterus.

Penis Functions

Delivers semen from the urethra into the female reproductive tract.

Pampiniform plexus

Vein network in the male reproductive system that helps regulate the temperature of the testes.

Scrotum

External pouch that houses the testes and has more sweat glands than any other body surface to aid temperature regulation.

duplex

marsupials and rodents

bicornuate

livestock, dogs, cats

simplex

humans, primates

Avian Reproduction

Reproductive process in birds, characterized by the internal development of eggs and oviposition.

Left Ovary

In avian species, birds only possess a left ovary which produces follicles (eggs) along with yolk.

Infundibulum

The first part of the modified left oviduct in birds that captures the ovum and is the site of fertilization.

Magnum

Part of the avian oviduct that adds protein to the developing egg and forms the chalazae to hold the yolk centered.

Isthmus

Section of the avian oviduct that packages the inner and outer shell membranes of the egg.

Uterus (Shell Gland)

The part of the avian reproductive system where the egg's hard shell is formed and pigmentation occurs.

Zona Pellucida

A glycoprotein layer surrounding the ovum, important for fertilization and creating a protective barrier for the zygote.

Oviposition

The process by which birds lay their eggs, typically occurring every 25-27 hours in avian species.

Incubation

The period during which a bird sits on and warms its eggs to facilitate embryonic development.

Embryonic Communication

The process in which embryos coordinate their hatching synchronized within