Chapter 27 vocabulary (reproductive system) Flashcards
What are alveoli in the context of the breast?
Milk-secreting cells in the mammary gland
Alveoli are crucial for lactation.
What is the ampulla of the uterine tube?
Middle portion of the uterine tube in which fertilization often occurs
The ampulla is wider than other parts of the tube.
Define antrum in relation to ovarian follicles.
Fluid-filled chamber that characterizes a mature tertiary (antral) follicle
The antrum is essential for follicle maturation.
What is the areola?
Highly pigmented, circular area surrounding the raised nipple
Contains areolar glands that secrete fluid for lubrication during suckling.
What are Bartholin’s glands?
Glands that produce a thick mucus that maintains moisture in the vulva area
Also referred to as greater vestibular glands.
What is the blood–testis barrier?
Tight junctions between Sertoli cells that prevent bloodborne pathogens from accessing spermatogenesis
Protects against autoimmune reactions to haploid sperm.
What is the body of the uterus?
Middle section of the uterus
Plays a significant role in housing a developing fetus.
What is the broad ligament?
Wide ligament that supports the uterus by attaching laterally to both sides of the uterus and pelvic wall
Provides stability to the uterus.
What do bulbourethral glands secrete?
A lubricating mucus that cleans and lubricates the urethra prior to and during ejaculation
Also known as Cowper’s glands.
What is the cervix?
Elongate inferior end of the uterus where it connects to the vagina
Acts as a passage for menstrual fluid and childbirth.
What is the clitoris?
Nerve-rich area of the vulva that contributes to sexual sensation during intercourse
Plays a key role in female sexual arousal.
What is the corpus albicans?
Nonfunctional structure remaining in the ovarian stroma following regression of the corpus luteum
Indicates the end of a menstrual cycle if no pregnancy occurs.
What is the corpus cavernosum?
Either of two columns of erectile tissue in the penis that fill with blood during an erection
Essential for penile rigidity during sexual intercourse.
What is the corpus luteum?
Transformed follicle after ovulation that secretes progesterone
Vital for maintaining early pregnancy.
What is the corpus spongiosum?
Column of erectile tissue in the penis that surrounds the penile urethra
Ensures the urethra remains open during erection.
What does the ductus deferens do?
Transports sperm from the epididymis through the spermatic cord into the ejaculatory duct
Also referred to as the vas deferens.
What is the ejaculatory duct?
Duct that connects the ampulla of the ductus deferens with the duct of the seminal vesicle
Plays a role in the transport of semen.
What is the endometrium?
Inner lining of the uterus that builds up during the secretory phase and sheds with menses
Critical for implantation of a fertilized egg.
What is the function of the epididymis?
Coiled tubular structure in which sperm start to mature and are stored until ejaculation
Essential for sperm maturation.
What are fimbriae?
Fingerlike projections on the distal uterine tubes
Help in guiding the ovulated oocyte into the uterine tube.
Define follicle in ovarian terms.
Ovarian structure of one oocyte and surrounding granulosa cells
Important for oocyte development.
What is folliculogenesis?
Development of ovarian follicles from primordial to tertiary under gonadotropins
Key process for oocyte maturation.
What is the fundus of the uterus?
Domed portion of the uterus that is superior to the uterine tubes
Acts as the topmost part of the uterus.
What is a gamete?
Haploid reproductive cell that contributes genetic material to form an offspring
Includes sperm and oocytes.